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Translocation of Anthemis tomentosa to Gialia and Akamas areas, Cyprus

09 June 2017

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Anthemis tomentosa is an annual species (therophyte) flowering from late March to May and fruiting from May to July, depending on the weather conditions. It occurs on sandy and gravelly coasts (habitat type 2110 Embryonic shifting dunes according to Annex I of the Habitat directive), near the sea level. In Cyprus, it is recorded in four locations: Timi coast near Pafos airport (largest subpopulation, about 1500 individuals), Kato Pafos near Faros (Natura 2000 site), Cape Kormakitis and the coastal area of Agia Irini village.

It is classified as “Endangered” in the Red Data Book of the Flora of Cyprus. All subpopulations, and in particular the one of Timi, are affected by the heavy use of the coast. In particular, the subpopulation at Timi, in addition to recreational activities (i.e. swimming), suffers from off road diving along the coast, causing habitat degradation and possible expansion of alien invasive species (Acacia saligna).

Within the framework of the CARE-MEDIFLORA project, translocation of the species to Akamas peninsula and Gialia area was carried out in May 2017. Plants were produced in the screen house and were planted to the translocation sites just before the initiation of seed dispersal.

 

Anthemis tomentosa habitat (left), distribution map of the species (right)

 

Cultivation of plants in screen house (left) and transportation of plants for the in situ actions (right).

 

In situ conservations actions for Anthemis tomentosa at Gialia area: transplanting (left) and watering of plants (right).

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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