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In situ conservation action for Anchusa crispa Viv., Corsica

25 October 2017

Thumb anchusa crispa propriano capu laurosu 13 resized

An in situ conservation action, implemented by the Conservatoire Botanique National de Corse (CBNC) in partnership with the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels de Corse, was carried out for a population of Anchusa crispa Viv..

Anchusa crispa is a rare and protected species in France. It only lives in coastal sandy areas between 1 and 5 m altitude. Its distribution range is restricted. It is found in Sardinia (6 populations) and Corsica (6 populations: 4 on the west coast and 2 on the east coast). This range tends to shrink on most sites due to anthropogenic impacts related to tourism activities among others.

Morphological differences exist between the populations of the west coast and the populations of the east coast, which are geographically isolated. Experts agree that two taxa at the rank of the subspecies are present in Corsica. Thus, these two elements of island biodiversity must be preserved.

Only 2 populations are present on the east coast and the one in Favone suffered destruction from trampling in 2016. The human impacts are various: trampling, uprooting for clearing the vicinity of a garden, etc.

CBNC has signed a partnership agreement with the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels de Corse in charge of the monitoring of Anchusa crispa, in order to proceed with the defense of the population located on the back side of the beach and to monitor it. The action was completed on July 13, 2017.

 

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MAVA Foundation

Mediterranean Plant Specialist Group (IUCN/SSC) Sóller Botanical Garden Foundation, Balearic Islands Office of the Environment of Corsica - National Botanical Academy of Corsica Hortus Botanicus Karalitanus, Sardinia University of Catania, Sicily Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Crete Agricultural Research Institute, Cyprus Department of Forests, Cyprus