Translocation of Rhamnus persicifolia, Sardinia

30 August 2018

The CARE-MEDIFLORA team in Sardinia (Hortus Botanicus Karalitanus, HBK partner) carried out an in situ conservation action for the small tree Rhamnus persicifolia, an endemic and endangered species of the central-eastern Sardinia (Italy).

Since the main threats for this species were represented by the disappearance of local populations or the small population size as well as by the presence of alien species, the in situ conservation action consisted of a translocation, in order to boost the number of individuals and restore its natural habitat.

In spring 2018, all plants ex situ multiplied in the Fo.Re.S.T.A.S nursery, were successful transplanting in the selected site “Monte Genziana”, near the extant population. In particular, 154 plants, of which 91 on the left and 63 on the right bank of the stream, were planted and marked; each plant has been codified with a label in order to facilitate the periodic monitoring of the individuals. Before the translocation action, all alien plants were removed and the stream has been remodeled with naturalistic engineering techniques. The monitoring activities have been planned monthly from April to December and the successful of translocation is constantly monitored by measuring the survival rate. The preliminary results showed a high survivorship rate of the transplanted individuals.

  
Plant production of Rhamnus persicifolia in the Fo.Re.S.T.A.S nursery (photos by Alba Cuena-Lombraña; Gianluigi Bacchetta)

Individual of Rhamnus persicifolia translocated (photo by Alba Cuena-Lombraña)

  
Individuals of Rhamnus persicifolia codified with a label for the monitoring activities (photos by Mauro Fois)

Monitoring activities of the transplanted population (photo by Mauro Fois)