Dianthus cyri: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Two populations are known in Yerevan floristic region. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. Intensive economic activity, land development for arable purposes, drainage of swamps and vegetation burning may lead to the decline of the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of the species. 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. Annual herb, 15–30 cm. Calyx verrucose, 15 mm long. Petals lilac, incised–dentate, glabrous.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Yerevan floristic regions (surroundings of Ararat town, Vedi, Ashtarak). EOO is 360 km2, AOO is 12 km2. The number of locations is 3. Beyond the borders of Armenia the species grows in East and West Transcaucasia, Nakhichevan, Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 900–1200 meters above sea level, on sandy riversides, in salt marshes, in the shibliak. Flowering in June, fruiting in July.

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

Conservation actions. At present the Ararat salt marshes are distinguished as nature monuments, but actual conservation measures are not carried out. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.