Silene eremitica: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Two small sub–populations are known. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. In Meghri the species hasn’t been collected since 1903. 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 herb, 30–80 cm. Calyx 8–10 mm long, glabrous. Carpophore more than twice shorter than capsule. Petals yellowish–green, without paracorolla.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Yerevan (Ararat town and the surroundings of Azat water reservoir) and Meghri floristic regions. EOO is 2200 km2, AOO is 16 km2. The number of locations is 4. Besides Armenia the species grows in North–East Anatolia and North Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 800–1100 meters above sea level, on dry slopes, on saline soil, salt marshes, in semi–deserts. Flowering in May, fruiting in June.

Limiting factors. Restricted area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by soil amelioration, drainage of marshes, vegetation burning, expansion of arable lands and intensive grazing.

Conservation actions. According RA Government decree 2008 the salt marshes of the Ararat plain are included in the list of nature monuments as "Salt marsh", but actual conservation measures are not implemented. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.