Carex cilicica: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Critically endangered species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. 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 45–75 cm, with creeping rhizome. Leaves tender, 3–4 mm broad, much shorter than stem. Inflorescence composed of male and female spikelets. Bracts lanceolate, acuminate, with pale greenish, broadened at base vein and dark brown stripes at margins. Utricules 4–5 mm long, yellowish; rostellum 2 mm long, brown, slightly splitted at apex.

Distribution. In Armenia the species occurs in Darelegis floristic region, between the villages Khachik and Gnishik. AOO is 4 km2. The number of locations is 1. The main area of distribution includes South Transcaucasia, East Anatolia and North Iran. It is rare everywhere.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in the sub–alpine belt, at the altitudes of 2400–2600 meters above sea level, in the swampy mountain meadows. Flowering in July, fruiting in August.

Limiting factors. Loss/degradation of habitats caused by nomadic livestock husbandry and global climate change.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population, establishment of specially protected nature area in the surroundings of the villages Khachik and Gnishik.