Not regionally extinct: rediscovery of ruppia drepanensis in Portugal, the westernmost range edge in Europe

Gonçalves Frade, Duarte; Miranda Neiva, João; Martínez-Garrido, Jose; Davison, Anne; Caminiti, Luca; Ramos, Gonçalo Miguel da Cruz e Cunha Guinote; Pearson, Gareth Anthony; Serrao, Ester A.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/26967

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Authors

Gonçalves Frade, Duarte

Miranda Neiva, João

Martínez-Garrido, Jose

Davison, Anne

Caminiti, Luca

Ramos, Gonçalo Miguel da Cruz e Cunha Guinote

Pearson, Gareth Anthony

Serrao, Ester A.

Abstract(s)

Ruppia drepanensis Tineo ex Guss. is an important habitat-forming aquatic plant in saline and brackish Mediterranean wetlands. The species is declining in several parts of its range due to hydrological changes and habitat degradation. R. drepanensis was considered Critically Endangered, possibly Regionally Extinct in Portugal, due to not being observed since 1986 despite extensive surveys of suitable habitat. We report on a new population, the westernmost known record for the species in Europe, identified with morphological and molecular data. Despite being inside a protected area, this population occupies a single small pond adjacent to a road, making it vulnerable to habitat changes. Ex situ conservation is recommended, including seed banking and/or the establishment of new populations.