Ranunculus villosus: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically 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 the area of occupancy caused by changes in habitat conditions. 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. Squarrose–villose perennial herb, 30–80 cm. Basal leaves rounded 5–angular, 3–partite, not deeply dissected to broadly dentate–serrate segments. Flowers yellow.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Zangezur floristic region (neighborhoods of Chakaten village, mountain Khustup). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in the East Caucasus, Talish, Karabagh, North–West Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitude of 800–1300 meters above sea level, in oak–hornbeam forests and in the meadows. Flowering from May to June, fruiting in June–August.

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

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, search of new habitats.