Achillea maritima is a native species of the Mediterranean region and, until recently, we could find it in various coastal areas and dune systems in Europe and North Africa. It is currently classified as an endangered species in Catalonia and threatened in other regions such as the Balearic Islands or the Valencian Community.
Since 2021, the Marimurtra Botanical Garden has been participating in its conservation by cultivating the species in a dune system created for this purpose. The initial objective of the project is to recover the only population that can be considered natural in Catalonia and that is located on Tamarit beach, in the province of Tarragona.
Plants, like all living things, are classified in states of conservation. These categories are used to assess the risk of extinction of a species in its natural habitat. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is in charge of drawing up the Red List of Threatened Species, where we find the species categorized in the different states of conservation.
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- The conservation status of a species is an indicator of its risk of extinction in its natural habitat. This classification is critical to assessing the health and viability of a species population in a given ecosystem.
- The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is responsible for drawing up the Red List of Threatened Species, which categorizes species in various states of conservation: “Critically Endangered”, “Endangered” or “Vulnerable”, based on factors such as distribution, population and threats.
- The case of Achillea maritima as an endangered species: Achillea maritima, a species native to the Mediterranean region, has been classified as an endangered species in Catalonia and threatened in other regions. This classification reflects the risks it faces in its natural habitat and the need for conservation measures.
- The importance of species monitoring. The conservation status classification not only identifies the challenges facing a species, but also provides a basis for the design of effective conservation plans. Monitoring is key to assessing changes in conservation status and adjusting conservation strategies.
- Ex situ conservation, such as that carried out in the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, is essential to guarantee the survival of threatened species. This practice provides a safety net that complements on-site efforts.