Ranunculus cicutarius: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. The sub–population of Armenia is situated in the western border of the main area of distribution. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy caused by changes in habitat conditions. 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 pilose perennial herb. Stem branched, 15–40 cm. Lower leaves pinnate; segments 3–dissected; lobules oblong–linear. Upper leaves 3–sect or pinnatisect. Flowers yellow.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Zangezur (neighborhoods of Kapan city and Nerkin Hand, Tsav villages) floristic region. EOO is 125 km2, AOO is 24 km2, the number of locations is 2. Besides Armenia the main area of distribution includes the East Caucasus, East Transcaucasia, Karabagh, Talish, Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 700–1300 meters above sea level, in oak–hornbeam forests, plane grove, shibliak, on stony slopes. Flowering in June, fruiting in July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by anthropogenic factor and global climate change.

Conservation actions. Almost the whole population grows in "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.