Astragalus ordubadensis: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of South Transcaucasia. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species grows in the area of intensive mining industry and land development. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 2: Rare species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial stemless plant, 10–20 cm, covered with bipartite hairs. Stipules and petioles of the last year firm, persistent. Leaflets 5–8–paired, remote, oblong–lanceolate, 4–15 x 1–4 mm. Peduncles together with inflorescences equal to leaves, 5–20 cm long, thin, slender. Inflorescence 3–11–flowered; flowers remote. Corolla pinkish–violet; flag 18–20 mm long. Legumes upward or horizontal directed, later pendent, 20–40 cm long.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Meghri floristic region between the villages Karchevan and Agarak. AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitude of 600–1000 meters above sea level, on dry stony and lime slopes, among phryganoid vegetation. Flowering from April to May, fruiting from May to June.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the development of mining industry and land development for arable purposes.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: establishment of new specially protected nature area in the surroundings of Agarak settlement, monitoring of the population state.