Doronicum balansae: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of Armenian Plateau. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by changes in habitat conditions as the result of over–grazing. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 2: Rare species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb, 60–100 cm. Basal leaves cordate–ovate; petioles long. Flower stalks in the upper part glandulose. Capitula in corymbiform inflorescense. Marginal flowers in 1 row, ligulate, female; central ones hermaphrodite, tubular.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Upper Akhuryan (mountain peaks Oksyuz, Ahbaba, mountain range Djavakh) and Zangezur (Tashtun mountain pass) floristic regions. EOO is 2500 km2, AOO is 20 km2. The number of locations is 3. Besides Armenia the species grows in North–East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper mountain and sub–alpine belts, at the altitudes of 1800–2500 meters above sea level, in the meadows. Flowering in June, fruiting in July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by grazing.

Conservation actions. Part of the populations grows in "Arpi Lake" National Park. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.