Bufonia takhtajanii: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 1 ab(ii,iii,iv,v) + 2 ab(ii,iii,iv,v)

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of Armenia. Only one population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The key threats include habitat disturbance as a result of cattle trampling and construction works. It was not included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial plant 15–30 cm, with thickened caudex and thin, fragile branches. Leaves linear, rigid. Petals longer than calyx, white.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Yerevan floristic region (Yerakh mountain range). AOO is 8 km2. The number of locations is 1.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 900–1000 meters above sea level, on stony gypsaceous slopes, among phryganoid vegetation. Flowering in July, fruiting in August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, and number of locations, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the cattle trampling and road constructions.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, establishment of specially protected natural area in Yerakh mountain range.