A study on distribution and population size of Androcymbium hierrense (Colchicaceae) an endangered taxon, in La Palma Biosphere Reserve (Canary Islands)

• Main Authors: Félix Manuel Medina, Raúl Fernández de León
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas 2015-06-01
• Series: Anales del Jardín Botánico de Madrid
• Subjects: abundance; androcymbium hierrense; conservation; distribution; endemic species; protected areas
• Online Access: http://rjb.revistas.csic.es/index.php/rjb/article/view/423

The scarce knowledge on the distribution of the natural populations of the Canarian endemic Androcymbium hierrense (Colchicaceae), an endangered species in the island of La Palma hampers the identification of priorities for undertaking actions for its conservation. Here we present a survey in which, the species is distributed in 14 locations grouped into two differentiated areas. This result represents an increase of ca. 200% in the occupancy area known for the species until now. A total of 15010 individuals were recorded: 1294 individuals in the northern parts of the island (Garafía), and 13716 in the east (Mazo). The species exhibits an average density of 8.80±24.03 SD (n=1559) and an estimated population size of 21593-24851 individuals (with a 95% confidence interval), given a total population of 217995 plants for the entire species distribution area on the island. Considering these estimates and the current distribution of the species, it is important to analyse its actual conservation status in La Palma both at regional and global scales, taking into account that the main threat for the species is habitat destruction by human activities.