Lorite,
J (Lorite,
Juan,
Penas,
J (Penas,
Julio,
Benito,
B (Benito,
Blas,
Canadas, E (Canadas,
Eva,
Valle,
F (Valle,
Francisco
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ABSTRACT: We studied the natural history as well as the conservation status of the first-known population of Polygala balansae in Europe (Granada, SE Spain). In the study area, we located only one population occupying a small patch of 1920 m(2), between 120 and 160 m a.s.l., with 246 mature individuals. The species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR), under the following criteria: severely fragmented, inferred continuous decline, small population size, and continuing decline inferred from the number mature individuals. The main threats over the population are: spreading subtropical tree-crops and encroachment of human settlements for tourist purposes, plus natural causes (drought, wild or human-mediated fire, limited dispersal, poor recruitment/reproduction/regeneration, high juvenile mortality, low densities and restricted range). Finally, passive and active conservation measures are proposed in order to guarantee the survival of the species.
Annales Botanici Fennici 01/2010; 47:45-50. · 1.01 Impact Factor
