A new in situ conservation action carried out by the Sardinian CARE-MEDIFLORA team (Hortus Botanicus Karalitanus, HBK partner) for the perennial fern Ophioglossum vulgatum L.

03 February 2017

This interesting fern grows in Sardinia only in two small populations (less than 50 reproductive plants by population) subjected to several threats and, consequently, their conservation is a priority at regional level.

In winter 2013 one of these populations located in Funtamela (Laconi, Central-Sardinia), site managed by a public institution (Agenzia Fo.Re.S.T.A.S.: Agenzia Forestale Regionale per lo Sviluppo del Territorio e l'Ambiente della Sardegna, Autonomous Region of Sardinia), was completely destroyed by wild boars. Immediately, through the scientific support of the HBK staff, the monitoring activities for this population are started and the in situ conservation measures have been planned.
In autumn 2016, a fence was built in order to protect the population site and to allow the O. vulgatum population to recovery naturally.

The monitoring of the population trends will continue regularly and the fence will be constantly maintained.
All these conservation actions are supported by the Agenzia Fo.Re.S.T.A.S, and specifically by Carlo Dessi and Angela Dei.

*Ophioglossum vulgatum L. (Ophioglossaceae) is a perennial fern widely distributed in the temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere. It usually occurs in humid meadows habitat. This species, not yet assessed in the Global IUCN Red List, grows only in two small populations in Sardinia and for this reason Ophioglossum vulgatum was considered as Critically Endangered (CR) at regional level in Sardinia (Conti et al. 1997).

Conti, F., Manzi, A. & Pedrotti, F. (1997) Liste Rosse Regionali delle Piante d’Italia. WWF, Camerino.