CONSERVATION STATUS OF THREE RARE AND ENDEMIC SPECIES FROM TURKEY (KALIDIUM WAGENITZII, MUSCARI ADILII AND VERBASCUM GYPSICOLA)

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to determine the population size and distribution areas and to re-evaluate IUCN threat categories of Kalidium wagenitzii (Aellen) Freitag & G. Kadereit, Muscari adilii M.B. Guner & H. Duman and Verbascum gypsicola Vural & Aydogdu, which are endemics of the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. The three species have limited distribution areas and high risk of extinction as a result of human impact. The perennial halophytic species K. wagenitzii was found in 5 localities around Salt Lake (Tuz Golu) and a total number of 6458 mature individuals were determined. The area of occupancy of the species is 36 km2 and the extent of occurrence is 213 km2. Uncontrolled use of water resources for agricultural purposes is a serious threat factor for the species. Kalidium wagenitzii is listed in EN category according to the IUCN Red List criteria. Muscari adilii prefers marly soils and its habitat type is formed by secondary succession after the destruction of Pinus nigra and oak forests. It is known from 3 localities around Nallihan-Beypazari with a population size of 6144 mature individuals. The area of occupancy and the extent of occurrence of the species is 12 km2 and 28 km2, respectively. The pressures on the species are road construction and increase of farmland, afforestation and factory establishment. According to the IUCN Red List criteria, the species is listed in CR category. Verbascum gypsicola is distributed on marly soils. It is known from 3 localities around Nallihan–Beypazari and one locality in Sivrihisar-Eskisehir with 2755 mature individuals in total. The area of occupancy of the species is 16 km2 and the extent of occurrence is 269 km2. Overgrazing and expansion of agricultural land, together with factory establishment are the major threats for this species, which is listed as EN in IUCN Red List.