1. A conservation assessment of Douepea arabica (Brassicaceae): a Critically Endangered plant species from Saudi Arabia
- Author
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Othman Llewellyn, Tarik M. Abbasi, K. F. Al-Shammari, Matthew Hall, Abdullah Al-Wetaid, A. G. Miller, and R. J. Al-Harbi
- Subjects
geography ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,Ecology ,Endangered species ,Introduced species ,Biology ,Shrubland ,Critically endangered ,Threatened species ,IUCN Red List ,Type locality ,Endemism ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Nature and Landscape Conservation - Abstract
Douepea arabica (Hedge & Kit Tan) O. Appel & Al-Shehbaz is a rare and threatened endemic plant species of Saudi Arabia. We present the first field studies of D. arabica in over 2 decades and update the sparse historical data on this important plant species. Surveys of the type locality Wadi Qaraqir and surrounding areas indicate that numbers of D. arabica are low. Although regeneration is occurring in the type locality and a newly recorded locality in the neighbouring Wadi Ghamrah, the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of D. arabica are restricted. This species appears to be strongly associated with available water sources and the dominant Nerium shrubland in the wadi channels. These are both threatened by increasing agricultural activities and road building in the area. We propose that D. arabica should be categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. We recommend conservation measures for this species, as well as the further research required to implement a conservation action plan.
- Published
- 2010