Endemic Crassulaceae in the Euro-Mediterranean biogeographical region needing protection. A preliminary checklist for conservation purposes

Abstract

Summary: Ensuring the protection of the natural environment and its components from the damage caused by humans, whether directly or indirectly, is a commitment that can no longer be delayed or disregarded. However, before attempting to conserve wild populations of any kind of animal or plant, it is important to know which taxa are involved and where they live, as this also allows us to identify the relevant hotspots and suggest the areas which need to be protected. In this paper the author presents a provisional checklist of taxa belonging to the Crassulaceae family, selected as a priority for conservation. This list itemises taxa with a restricted distribution (endemic) in a specific area of the Euro-Mediterranean biogeographical context. Only the taxa with a range confined to a single country of this geographic area are dealt with in this paper. The study also focused on taxa whose distribution is included in the political boundaries of a single nation, in order to connect them with the local ‘Red List’ and appropriate legislative measures. We have selected ninety-seven taxa divided between species and subspecies (varieties and hybrids are excluded), with details on their distribution (country and biogeographic area), category of endemism, and conservation references.