Isatis sevangensis: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of Armenia. It is found on the north–east shore of Sevan Lake. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 square kilometers. The species is on the verge of extinction caused by economic activity and recreation. 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 glaucous herb 30–50 cm. Leaves thick, coriaceous; basal ones elongate; cauline ones obtuse, auriculate. Flowers yellow, in elongate inflorescence. Siliqua 20–22 x 7–8,5 mm, elliptic, broadly rounded at base and apex, after ripening dark.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Sevan (Daranak, Artanish) floristic region. EOO is 40 km2, AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper mountain belt, at the altitudes of 2000–2200 meters above sea level, on dry, stony slopes. Flowering in May, fruiting from June to July.

Limiting factors. Restricted habitats, loss/degradation of habitats caused by recreation.

Conservation actions. The habitats of the species are situated in "Sevan" National Park. Necessary: search of new habitats, monitoring of the population state.