Sclerochloa woronowii: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Only three sub–populations are found in the south of the Republic. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by the changes in habitat conditions and development of lands. 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. Annual plant 6–20 cm, not forming a tuft. Leaf blades linear–subulate, 0,5–1 mm broad. Inflorescence a second, spike–shaped panicle 4–10 x 1,5 cm. Spikelets of 4–6 very remote flowers.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Zangezur (Sisian, Goris) and Meghri (Agarak) floristic regions. EOO is 160 km2, AOO is 12 km2, the number of locations is 3. Besides Armenia the species grows in Karabagh, Nakhichevan, Iraq, Afghanistan and Middle Asia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower and middle mountain belts, at the altitudes of 800–1700 meters above sea level, on dry stony, clay and saline soils, grinded boulders, riverside sands. Flowering in April, fruiting in May.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the expansion of arable lands and intensity of mining industry.

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