Research Article |
Corresponding author: Giuseppe Fenu ( gfenu@unica.it ) Academic editor: Lorenzo Peruzzi
© 2022 Giuseppe Fenu, Hayder M. Al-Rammahi, Salvatore Cambria, Antonia E. Cristaudo, Bekhruz S. Khabibullaev, Mohammad K. Mohammad, Khabibullo F. Shomurodov, Gianmarco Tavilla, Simone Orsenigo.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Fenu G, Al-Rammahi HM, Cambria S, Cristaudo AE, Khabibullaev BS, Mohammad MK, Shomurodov KF, Tavilla G, Orsenigo S (2022) Global and Regional IUCN Red List Assessments: 14. Italian Botanist 14: 81-94. https://doi.org/10.3897/italianbotanist.14.97176
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In this contribution, the conservation status assessment of three vascular plants according to IUCN categories and criteria are presented. It includes the assessment of Allium ravenii F.O.Khass., Shomuradov & Kadyrov and Centaurea seguenzae (Lacaita) Brullo, Marcenò & Siracusa at global level and Haloxylon persicum Bunge ex Boiss. & Buhse at regional level.
conservation, extinction risk, IUCN protocol, threats
The text of the global and regional assessments should be submitted electronically to Simone Orsenigo (simone.orsenigo@unipv.it) or to Giuseppe Fenu (gfenu@unica.it); the text, up to 8,000 characters in length (spaces included), must include a distribution map and a picture of the assessed species.
Global assessment
Taxonomy and nomenclature
Order: Asparagales Family: Amaryllidaceae
Allium ravenii F.O.Khass., Shomuradov & Kadyrov, Stapfia 95: 173 (2011).
Common name: Raven’s garlic (En).
Geographic distribution range: Allium ravenii (Fig.
Distribution: Countries of occurrence: Uzbekistan.
Biology: Plant growth form: Perennial (geophyte).
Flowering and fruiting time: flowering from May to June and fruiting from June to July.
Reproduction: pollination, dispersal mechanism and seed germination have not been studied.
Habitat and ecology: Allium ravenii is a geophyte 15–30 cm high (
Population information: continuously updated data on the single population of Raven’s garlic are missing. During field research in 2009–2010, about 20 individuals in full bloom were found, while only six plants were recorded during the monitoring expedition in 2015. Probably due to the very dry years (< 75 mm in 2020; data from the Aktumsuk weather station) and the sharp decrease in precipitation in spring, during targeted field studies in the spring of 2020–2021, no individuals were found during the growing season. The declining trend in the number of individuals of this species takes place against the background of the drying of the Aral Sea and the intensification of the process of desertification in the region.
Threats: 2.3 Livestock farming & ranching and 2.3.1 Nomadic grazing: The Ustyurt Plateau and the Eastern Chink are used as nomadic pastures for sheep, goats and camels. Moreover, also wild animals like Saiga tatarica (Linnaeus, 1766) and Gazella subgutturosa (Güldenstädt, 1780) graze during all the year.
3.1 Oil & gas drilling: Gas reserves are large on the Ustyurt Plateau and there are several drilling stations around the Allium ravenii population.
4.1 Roads & railroads: The population was found on the side of the only road that crosses the plateau towards the Aral Sea. This road is intensively and irregularly used for transportation of tourists and special equipment used by geologists. It is easy to see from satellite images that more than 10 new roads have appeared around the population.
11.2 Droughts: Aridization processes in Uzbekistan are becoming more intense (
11.3 Temperature extremes: An analysis of long-term climatic data showed that the magnitude of air temperature changes has increased significantly both in the cold and in the warm half of the year (
CRITERIA APPLIED
Criterion B: EOO: 4 km2 calculated with GeoCAT (Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool) software (
AOO: 4 km2 calculated with GeoCAT software (
a) A single location (unsystematic grazing or climate change).
b) Continuing decline, observed in extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, extent and quality of habitat, number of mature individuals.
c) Extreme fluctuations in number of mature individuals.
Criterion C: Population size estimated in about six mature individuals.
1) An estimated continuing decline of at least 25% within three years or one generation.
2) A continuing decline, observed in numbers of mature individuals and at least 90% of mature individuals in one subpopulation.
Criterion D: Population size estimated in only six mature individuals.
Red List category and Criteria (Global Assessment)
CR | Critically Endangered | B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)c(iv)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v)c(iv)+C1+C2a(i,ii)+D |
Rationale for the assessment: Allium ravenii is endemic to the Ustyurt Plateau and currently has a single population with a small number of mature individuals. The monitoring results of the last decade show that the number of individuals is decreasing, and the quality of the habitat is worsening due to climate change and the ecological crisis of the Aral Sea. In some targeted field trips, no individual was found; however, although failure to find vegetative individuals suggests that this species may meet the criteria for the Extinct (EX) category, the finding of underground parts of several mature individuals in 2015 excludes this category. At the moment, considering the restricted EOO and AOO, and the continuous decline in population size and habitat quality, Allium ravenii can be assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) based on criteria B, C, D.
Previous assessment: this species was not evaluated at the global level (
Conservation actions: the area where the A. ravenii population is distributed is not included in any reserve or protected area. The species is, nonetheless, listed in a national law and in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan under category 1 (on the brink of extinction) (
Conservation actions needed: since it has recently been described and its current distribution may be poorly known, it is necessary to organize targeted field research aimed at searching for new populations of Raven’s garlic. It is desirable to search for new methods of conservation of this plant species by biological and ecological studies, and to forecast the future of the species in the context of bioclimatic modeling, besides exploring the possibility of multiplication and translocation to other suitable areas.
Khabibullo F. Shomurodov, Bekhruz Sh. Khabibullaev, Giuseppe Fenu
Global assessment
Taxonomy and nomenclature
Order: Asterales Family: Asteraceae
Centaurea seguenzae (Lacaita) Domina, Greuter & Raimondo, Israel J. Plant Sci. 64(1–2): 55 (2017) ≡ C. todaroi f. seguenzae Lacaita, Nuovo Giorn. Bot. Ital., n.s. 22: 246 (1915) ≡ C. todaroi subsp. seguenzae (Lacaita) Giardina & Raimondo, Bocconea 20(10): 393 (2007) ≡ C. panormitana subsp. seguenzae (Lacaita) Greuter, Med-Checkl. 2: 126 (2008).
Common name: Fiordaliso di Seguenza (It), Seguenza’s knapweed (En).
Geographic distribution range: Centaurea seguenzae (Fig.
Distribution: Countries of occurrence: Italy (Sicily).
Biology: Plant growth form: perennial (chamaephyte).
Chromosome number: 2n = 18 (
Phenology: flowering from May to June, fruiting from July to August.
Reproduction: there is no available detailed information.
Habitat and ecology: Centaurea seguenzae grows on coastal rocky cliffs exposed to the wind and is endemic to the Tyrrhenian part of the Peloritani mountains. The habitat in which it grows is mainly characterized by chasmophytes, such as Erucastrum virgatum C.Presl, Dianthus rupicola subsp. aeolicus (Lojac.) Brullo & Miniss., Lomelosia cretica (L.) Greuter & Burdet, Sedum dasyphyllum L. and Teucrium flavum L. From a phytosociological point of view, the plant community belongs to the Erucastretum virgati Brullo & Marcenò, 1979 (Asplenietea trichomanis class). This species is also considered characteristic of the sub-association centauretosum sequenzae Brullo & Marcenò, 1979 (
Population information: The existing population of Centaurea seguenzae comprises only a single stand. There is no detailed information available on population dynamics. A rough count of the currently known population of Capo Tindari showed a total of more than 250 mature individuals. However, because the cliffs where the plants grow are generally inaccessible, the total number of individuals might be underestimated. Based on direct observation, the overall trend in population size and number of mature individuals has not shown a significant decrease in the last few years.
Threats: 7.1 Fire and fire suppression: the relatively inaccessible habitat faces threats of potential fires that can result from natural causes, human-caused accidents, or deliberate acts of arson. In fact, the Messina province, as well as the surrounding territories of Patti and Tindari, are periodically impacted by arson.
8.1 Invasive non-native/alien species: the rocky cliffs on which C. seguenzae grows are invaded by a large population of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., which restricts the growing environment of the species. Currently, the lack of targeted management has led to a decrease of suitable sites for C. seguenzae, causing an uncontrolled spread of O. ficus-indica and, at the same time, a continuous decline of the habitat quality.
10.3 Landslides: the rocky cliffs are high susceptible to landslides and natural erosion; Capo Tindari is subject to continuous detachment of single blocks and also to the formation of small and massive landslides, like the one in the spring of 2009 near the Verde lagoon (
CRITERIA APPLIED:
Criterion B: EOO: 4 km2
AOO: 4 km2 calculated with GeoCAT (Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool) software (
a) Number of locations: the species is exclusively found in one location, and the two major threats are the occurrence of invasive alien species and landslides.
b) Decline in quality of the habitat (iii).
Red List category and Criteria (Global Assessment)
Rationale for the assessment: Centaurea seguenzae is a narrow endemic to Sicily. Specifically, it grows on the vertical cliffs of Capo Tindari, and several threats are expected to have a negative impact on the population dynamics in the near future. Despite the small size of the population and the location of most individuals in inaccessible areas, the population is threatened by the occurrence of invasive alien species and landslides, which determine a continuous decline in habitat quality and population area. Considering that the Area of Occupancy (AOO) is 4 km2 this species may be assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) at the global level according to criterion B.
Previous assessment: This plant was previously assessed as Near Threatened at the global level (NT;
Conservation actions: The population falls within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) belonging to the Natura 2000 network, namely “Laguna di Oliveri - Tindari” (code ITA030012). In addition, Centaurea seguenzae was one of the target species of the SiMaSeed project funded by the Interreg Italy-Malta 2014–2020 programme (Priority Axis III – Protecting the environment and promoting the efficient use of resources. Specific Objective 3.1). Genetic material, both living plants and seeds, are preserved ex situ at the seed bank of Catania University (BGS-CT); so far, over 8,000 seeds were stored (accession number SiMaSeed/CT/19/370).
Conservation actions needed: To better understand the reproductive biology and population trend of the species and to analyze the effects of human activities on the population, particularly those located in tourist areas, it is advisable to conduct further research and implement a monitoring program. Moreover, in order to protect the native growth habitat of the species, management of invasive alien plant species is urgently required.
Gianmarco Tavilla, Antonia E. Cristaudo, Salvatore Cambria
Regional assessment (Iraq)
Taxonomy and nomenclature
Order: Caryophyllales Family: Amaranthaceae
Haloxylon persicum Bunge ex Boiss. & Buhse, Nouv. Mém. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 12: 189 (1860) = Anabasis saxaul Fisch. ex Ulbr. Nat. Pflanzenfam., ed. 2 [Engler & Prantl] 16c: 572, in syn. (1934) = Arthrophytum arborescens Litv. Trav. Mus. Bot. Acad. Petersb. 11: 44 (1913).
Common name: White Saksaul (En), Ghada (Arabic).
Geographic distribution range: Haloxylon persicum (Fig.
Distribution: Countries of occurrence: Afghanistan, China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan.
Biology: Plant growth form: Tree (nanophanerophyte).
Flowering and fruiting time: Haloxylon persicum flowers from March to April.
Reproduction: no information on pollination and dispersal strategies is available. This species can reproduce vegetatively. In the laboratory, the optimum temperature for seed germination is 20–25 °C (100% germination), and each further increase in temperature decreases the percentage of germination (
Habitat and ecology: Haloxylon persicum is a xerophytic desert plant native to sandy deserts in Central Asia, the Middle East, Afghanistan, north-western China, and Near Eastern deserts (Al-Khalifah and Shanavaskan 2007). It is often selected for the restoration of vegetation cover in arid and semiarid regions and deserts of the Irano-Turanian region, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan (
Population information: There is no information on population size and trend at a global level for this widespread species. Currently, it is declining in parts of its range (
Threats: 2.3 Livestock farming & ranching: Camel, sheep and goat grazing is one of the most powerful threats to Haloxylon persicum both for nomadic owners (2.3.1 nomadic grazing) and the local farmers (2.3.2 small-holder grazing, ranching or farming).
4.1 Roads & railroads: the main routes for the local residents of the Bussiya Village pass beneath H. persicum stands; although the traffic is light, the routes are not paved and, since the soil surface is very fragile, the traffic causes dense dust that damages the trees.
5.2 Gathering terrestrial plants - 5.2.1: intentional use: intensive logging is one of the major threats: H. persicum wood is one of the finest types of firewood as it burns for a longer time than other types, consequently it is targeted by firewood traders for private use in hookah smoking.
6.1 Recreational activities: during the winter Gulf festivals, local residents camp in the area causing damage to the H. persicum trees. In addition, tourists usually go to the area with off-road vehicles, causing habitat degradation; they also cut the plants for firewood and other camping purposes.
11.2 Droughts: the whole area has experienced three consecutive years of severe drought; the driest region of Iraq is located near Nasiriya, which is only about 72 km from the study area.
11.3 Temperature extremes: The southern desert regions of Iraq are known for severe continental climatic extremes. The hottest temperature measured from 1949 to March 2022, 53.8 °C, was reported by the Basrah Airport weather station, not far from the population’s growth area. The lowest temperature, reported by the weather station of Samawa (6 m a.s.l.), was -13.8 °C in January 2020. The combination of these extreme temperatures is expected to have a negative effect on the Haloxylon persicum populations.
CRITERIA APPLIED:
Criterion B: EOO: 1,084.96 km2 calculated with GeoCAT (Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool) software (
AOO: 136 km2 calculated with GeoCAT software (
a) Iraqi populations are highly fragmented.
b) Continuing decline, observed in extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, extent and quality of habitat, number of locations and subpopulations, and number of mature individuals.
Criterion C: the Iraqi population, in continuous decline, currently does not include any mature individual, but it is composed of 1,222 juvenile plants; no subpopulation has more than 1,000 mature plants.
Criterion D: the Iraqi population includes no mature individual.
Red List category and Criteria (Regional Assessment)
Rationale for the assessment: Haloxylon persicum is a widespread tree in arid areas from Egypt to China. Currently, it is declining in parts of its range as in Iraq, where only two small populations remain. In recent years, the Iraqi population has experienced a dramatic decline in the number of mature individuals mainly caused by indiscriminate withdrawal. Currently, there are only 1,222 juvenile plants split into two fragmented populations, exposed to severe threats. Climate change is projected to further reduce the available habitat of this restricted species. According to criteria C and D, Haloxylon persicum can be assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) at a regional level.
Previous assessment: this species was evaluated as Least Concern (LC) at the global level (
Conservation actions: there are currently no protection or conservation measures in place for this species in Iraq.
Conservation actions needed: Research and monitoring programmes are recommended in order to investigate the population dynamics of this species. In addition, as proposed for other threatened plants in the area (
Note: The issue of conservation for this plant is mainly social, legal, and linked to tribal customs and traditions. In interviews, local resident said that H. persicum may reach up to 5 m in height, and can provide shade for up to four camels under its canopy; the present juvenile plants are from 0.4–0.7 m to ca. 1.6 m tall. Loggers cut the stem close to the ground, then tie a rope around the root system and pull it by car, thus compromising also the plant’s vegetative reproduction. The roots are used in the hookah because they burn for a long time and give a pleasant smell.
Mohammad K. Mohammad, Hayder M. Al-Rammahi, Giuseppe Fenu