IUCN assessments place Campanula bergomensis Near Threatened and two Kyzylkum desert plants Endangered

Global Red List assessments published in The Italian Botanist classified the Italian bellflower Campanula bergomensis as Near Threatened and the Uzbek desert plants Iris hippolyti and Stipa aktauensis as Endangered. These are conservation assessments based on distribution, population size, habitat trends and documented threats, rather than experimental studies of the plants. Campanula bergomensis, formally described in 2024, occurs only in the eastern Bergamo Prealps of Lombardy, Italy.

Most known populations are concentrated in small valleys near Clusone, especially within the Borlezza hydrogeographic basin, with isolated records from Valcanale, Val Nossana and Val Conchetta. The perennial plant grows on dolomitic debris cones, generally on poorly developed and well-drained soils from 450 to 1,250 metres above sea level. Field observations indicated stable subpopulations, with no continuous decline observed or estimated.

Some populations crossed by motocross and mountain-bike trails were threatened by trampling. The assessors also identified habitat modification as debris cones become colonized by shrubs and trees, landslides or cliff collapse associated with erosion, and potentially increasing drought and extreme weather as future threats. Because the species was recently described, the assessors said further information on its range, reproductive biology and ecology was needed to plan in situ and ex situ conservation.

Preliminary experiments at Milan’s Città Studi Botanical Garden indicated low germination rates, although the available evidence did not establish general reproductive success. Campanula bergomensis is not protected by international, national or regional law, but populations in Val Nossana, Val Bielone, Romentareck, Val dei Mulini and Monte Simer fall within two Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation. The assessors called for its inclusion in Lombardy Region’s protection list.

Iris hippolyti is a perennial geophyte endemic to the Kokchatau and Karatau remnant low mountains in the eastern Kyzylkum Desert of Uzbekistan. The two mountain areas cover approximately 2.5 km² and reach a maximum elevation of 447 metres above sea level. Until 2018, the species was known from one population at Kokchatau, where an estimated 300 individuals were recorded in 2015; the count was 138 in 2020.

A second subpopulation with fewer than 40 individuals was documented in Karatau in 2022, bringing the assessed global population to 175 individuals. For Iris hippolyti, the assessors calculated an extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of 8 km² each and identified two locations based on the principal threats. They recorded a 54% observed decline in individual numbers over 10 years, continuing declines in habitat extent and quality and mature individuals, and a continuous decline in mature individuals.

Livestock grazing, recreation and associated habitat destruction were documented threats: satellite imagery showed that more than 2,000 m² of habitat had been destroyed for recreational activities near the Zafarabad settlement. Severe late-February frost events, occurring approximately once every five to six years, were also reported to cause significant juvenile mortality. The species was classified as Endangered under criteria B1b(iii, v) + 2b(iii, v) + D.

Iris hippolyti is listed as Category 1, or Critically Endangered, in Uzbekistan’s National Red Book and has been introduced into cultivation at the Tashkent Botanical Garden. The assessors described reintroduction of cultivated individuals as essential and identified reinforced in situ conservation, protected ex situ cultivation, bioclimatic modelling and identification of suitable areas as proposed elements of a conservation strategy. These actions were recommendations, not evidence of recovery.

Stipa aktauensis is a perennial tussock grass distributed across the Kuldzhuktau, Auminzatau, Bukantau, Tamditau, Muruntau, Aktau and Sultan-Uizdag remnant mountains in Uzbekistan’s Kyzylkum Desert. It grows on dry gravelly slopes and rock cracks at altitudes from 400 to 700 metres above sea level and can reach 25–30 cm in height. Livestock grazing was identified as a continuing pressure because it directly consumes plants, degrades habitat, limits regeneration and increases soil erosion.

Mining and energy-related development were also reported, including exploration for light metals and marble in Kuldzhuktau, construction of wind-power stations in Kuldzhuktau and Tamditau, and expanding stone-crushing and gravel production at Sultan-Uizdag. The assessment calculated an extent of occurrence of 32,725 km² but an area of occupancy of 44 km², identified five locations, and recorded continuing declines in range, occupancy, habitat extent and quality, subpopulations and mature individuals. Stipa aktauensis was classified as Endangered under criterion B2ab(i, ii, iii, iv, v).

The assessors reported that earlier cultivation attempts at a Kyzylkum desert station were unsuccessful and that its seeds were not conserved in any germplasm bank. They recommended research and monitoring to clarify reproductive biology, ecology, threats and population trends, together with ex situ measures including establishment of a seed bank.

Subject of Research: Global IUCN Red List assessments of three narrow-range vascular plants in Italy and Uzbekistan

Article Title: Global and Regional IUCN Red List Assessments: 17

Article References: Fenu, G., Caccianiga, M., Khabibullaev, B. S., Mangili, F., Shomurodov, K. F., Valle, B., & Orsenigo, S. (2024). Global and Regional IUCN Red List Assessments: 17. Italian Botanist, 18, 141-153. https://doi.org/10.3897/italianbotanist.18.139285

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.3897/italianbotanist.18.139285

Keywords: IUCN Red List, Campanula bergomensis, Iris hippolyti, Stipa aktauensis, Italy, Uzbekistan, Kyzylkum Desert, plant conservation, endangered species, Global, Regional, IUCN