Oxytropis lazica: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The area of distribution is fragmented. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 3: Reducing species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial stemless stocky herbs, covered with long, yellow and white hairs. Peduncles slender, together with inflorescense 2,5–8 cm long. Inflorescence 4–10–flowered, not elongating after flowering. Corolla light or violet–blue. Flag 17–20 mm long. Legumes ovate–oblong, slightly curved, up to 20 mm long, shortly pilose.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Sevan (Artanish peninsula) and Gegham (mountains Sevsar, Ziaret, Hadis, surroundings of Qyanqyan village) floristic regions. EOO is 440 km2, AOO is 20 km2, the number of locations is 5. Besides Armenia the species grows in West Transcaucasia and North–East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in sub–alpine and alpine belts, at the altitude of 2000–3300 meters above sea level, in the meadows, on stony slopes and screes. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, weak regeneration, intensive grazing.

Conservation actions. Part of the population grows in "Sevan" National Park. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.