Pyrus raddeana: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of South Transcaucasia. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy caused by continuing anthropogenic impact on forest ecosystems. 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. Tree about 5 m, without spines. Leaves 6–8 x 2–4 cm, oblong–elliptic, with maximal width in the middle, to the both ends uniform narrowed, at apex acute, at margins regularly crenate–serrate, from below densely tomentose; petioles pubescent, 3–4 cm long. Fruits small, globose, 2 cm in diameter; pedicles longer than fruit.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Zangezur (Nerkin Hand) and Meghri (Vahravar, Tashtun, Lichkvaz, Lichk) floristic regions. EOO is 160 km2, AOO is 12 km2, the number of locations is 2. Besides Armenia grows in Nakhichevan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1500–1800 meters above sea level, in the forests, more often at forest edges, sometimes in villages’ vicinities. Flowering from April to May, fruiting from June to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy.

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