Ranunculus lingua: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. One sub–population is known. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy caused by changes in habitat conditions. Taking into consideration that the general area of distribution of the species is situated beyond the borders of Armenia the category of threat has been downgraded to EN. 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. Perennial herb, 50–150 cm. Cauline leaves elongate– lanceolate, acuminate, up to 20 cm long. Flowers yellow; petals 15–18 mm long.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Lori (neighborhoods of Saratovka, Novoseltsovo, Kiz–Kala villages, Tashir town) floristic region. AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the main area of distribution includes the Caucasus (wide), Europe, Siberia, North Anatolia, North Iran, Middle and Central Asia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1400–1500 meters above sea level, in the swamps, along lake shores. Flowering in June, fruiting in July.

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

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