Plants in danger of extinction in Spain
Plants in danger of extinction: Plant biodiversity is of utmost importance due to the role that each species plays in the intricate dynamics of populations. Unfortunately, there are multiple causes for which these species can be lost, from natural to anthropogenic causes. When a species becomes extinct, it cannot exist again and with the loss also goes its inherent value that accumulates millions of years of history. In Spain there are 276 species of plants that are classified as endangered and in serious danger of disappearing, according to the Red List of Threatened Species
Interesting: Habitat fragmentation: what it is, causes and consequences
Plants in danger of extinction: Zamarraga
Endangered plants in Spain: The zamarraga is a herbaceous plant with purple flowers . It is endemic to the Sierra Nevada mountains, a mountain range located between Almería and Granada and grows at a height of 3,500 meters above sea level. It develops in the stony soil found between the rocks of the alpine meadows. Its habitat is very specific and restricted, hence its situation is in danger of extinction. They only have two occupation locations.
Plants in danger of extinction: Its main threat is predation by wild goats . The zamarraga was also hybridized with Erigeron major causing displacement by the latter. Being in a National Park that receives visitors, unauthorized collection by tourists also threatens this plant. Many natural disasters such as drought, landslides and storms are recorded in the area, which affects these plants.
Plants in danger of extinction: Paular Geranium
This wild geranium gets its name from the Monastery of Santa María de El Paular, which shares a location with this plant. It is located in the Lozoya Valley in Madrid and in the Sierra de Guadarrama. These areas have mainly siliceous soils, but this plant likes limestone and dolomitic soil , which only occurs in specific spots. This condition hinders its survival and makes it a very rare plant.
Among its threats that border it to be in danger of extinction are:
- Predation by large animals and by ants : discover in this other article more information about Predators: what they are, types and examples .
- The construction of roads and the establishment of quarries for mining .
- The intense activity of collectors looking for special plants.
Plants in danger of extinction: Mountain asparagus
Plants in danger of extinction: The asparagus is endemic to the Canary Islands with isolated populations on La Gomera and Tenerife. It is threatened by predation by cattle that are released to graze and by hybridization with other plants of the same genus. There is also a strong deforestation near the Montaña del Cepo that has destroyed this herbaceous.
Silver Thistle
Plants in danger of extinction: This plant produces very showy globular flowers of white-pink color. It is endemic to the heights of the Canadas del Teide, in Tenerife, at an altitude of 2,000 meters. It is very rare and for this reason it is highly predated by collectors. It is also poached by rabbits and its seeds are eaten by insects, reducing the chances that they can create new individuals. The populations in Llano de Cuevas Negras, Llano de Maja and Corral del Niño are expected to disappear completely very soon.
Guigui bobblehead
Plants in danger of extinction: This plant is endemic to the island of Gran Canaria. It is associated with mountains up to 800 meters high. Its distribution area is extremely small and barely reaches 9 square kilometers. Its main threats are directed to grazing , although it is also food for insect larvae. When droughts occur in the area, the Guigui bobblehead suffers. Its population is stable, that is, it is not decreasing but it is still in danger of extinction.
Plants in danger of extinction: Also known as royal chamomile, it is very popular because it is credited with healing qualities . It is in high demand and this has led to overexploitation and subsequent danger of extinction. On the other hand, this plant has little genetic variability, causing it to be unable to adapt to changes in the environment.
Friar’s Lettuce
Plants in danger of extinction: This plant is critically endangered and in great danger of disappearing. It is endemic to Tenerife and there are only 1,330 mature specimens left. It grows in very rocky areas, so landslides are one of the main causes that threaten them. Another natural cause is volcanic eruptions , although they are also disappearing due to the construction of roads.
Bunnies
5 Endangered plants: Bunnies are herbaceous plants with small, light-colored, tubular flowers. Its growth is very peculiar, since it chooses cracks in the soil that have a high calcareous content and are slightly nitrified. Their seedlings do not usually survive, this being the first cause for their danger of extinction. They are expected to disappear soon . endangered flowers
Crag flower
5 Endangered plants: This plant is at serious risk of extinction and its populations are declining. It is endemic to Hierro, in the Canary Islands. It is only found in two populations and is threatened by pruning resulting from road maintenance. It has also decreased due to mountain slides. endangered flowers
5 Endangered plants: The sandarac is a coniferous tree that is distributed in southwestern Spain, Malta, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Its wood was used for construction , but this stopped because it became scarce. It is in danger of extinction but fortunately its populations are increasing thanks to legal protections.
