Carex pyrenaica: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Two locations are known at a distance of 60 kilometers. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The area of distribution is severely fragmented. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy as a result of nomadic livestock husbandry and global climate change. 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. Densely cespitose perennial herb 6–12 (20) cm. Leaves linear, 1–1,5 cm broad, slightly shorter than stems. Inflorescence of 1 apical spikelet. Bracts blackish, with narrow light membranous margins. Utricules 2,8–3 mm long, ovate–lanceolate, greenish, in upper part blackish; on short peduncles; rostellum emarginated–bidentate.

Distribution. It occurs in Aparan (Tezhler) and Gegham (Azhdahak Mountain) floristic regions. AOO is 8 km2. The number of locations is 2. The general area of distribution includes uplands of the Caucasus and North–East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in alpine belt, at the altitudes of 3000–3200 meters above sea level, in stony places and screes. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Loss/degradation of habitats, trampling, global climate change.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.