Sonchus araraticus: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 1 ab(i,ii,iii) + 2 ab(i,ii,iii)

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of Armenia. One population is known. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by changes in habitat conditions as a result of agricultural activity. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb with multicephalous rhizome. Stem 150– 230 cm, unbranched, glabrous, glandulose in upper part. Basal cauline leaves runcinate, upper ones linear–lanceolate, with white denticulate margin. Capitula numerous, 40–50–flowered. Flowers yellow. Achenes 2–3 mm, 3–4–edged, brownish–grey.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows in Yerevan (vicinity of Ararat town) floristic region. AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitude of 850 meters above sea level, in mineralized and salt marshes. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to September.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by land development for arable purposes, drainage of swamps, grazing, vegetation burning.

Conservation actions. According to RA Government decree 2008 the marshes of Ararat were included in the list of nature monuments, but no actions are being carried out for conservation. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.