Asparagus lycaonicus, P. H. Davis X, 1983

Akhani, Hossein, Abdullahi, Hussaini, Ürker, Okan & Malekmohammadi, Maryam, 2024, Molecular phylogenetic studies on Asparagus (Asparagaceae) revealed the position of the highly endangered Irano-Turkish halophytic species A. lycaonicus P. H. Davis related to A. officinalis L., Phytotaxa 646 (2), pp. 125-142 : 137-139

Conservation of Asparagus lycaonicus in Iran and Turkey

Asparagus lycaonicus was known only from the type locality in Turkey near Lake Bolluk (Bolluk Gölü), in altitude of 1010 m in Cihanbeyli District of Konya Province. In Iran it was discovered once in Meyghan saline lake, in altitudes of 1680 m, N of Arak, the capital of Markazi Province. The habitat of this species in Iran was flat saline soil with species composition of Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M.Bieb. , Aeluropus littoralis , Limonium iranicum (Bornm.) Lincz. and Halimocnemis rarifolia (K.Koch) Akhani. After the initial report, and despite numerous intensive searches in 2013, we could not find the species again. The main reason for this unsuccessful attempt to find A. lycaonicus could be the complete deformation of its habitat and the altered hydrology of the area. Kavire Meyghan or Meyghan Salt Lake is a saline endorheic basin which encountered extreme changes in its hydrology and habitat destruction in the last three decades ( Fig. 5). Therefore, extinction of A. lycaonicus in Meyghan Salt Lake is highly plausible due to habitat loss. Microcmenum corraloides and Schrenkiella parvula two other halophytic species encountered the same faith. Microcnemum was discovered in a Juncus maritimus-Aeluropus littoralis community in the NW salt marshes of the Lake ( Akhani 1988, 2002). These type of communities (evident in Fig. 5A) were almost completely wiped out from the area due to the expansion of agricultural lands near Dehe Namek village and the drop of subsurface water ( Fig. 5E). S. parvula was discovered in the Northeastern saline flats associated with Halocnemum strobilaceum . Subsequent observations in the area confirmed the disappearance of this species as well ( Hajiboland et al. 2018).

Since its first discovery in 1960 in Turkey, despite intensive search no more localities have been found in Turkey for A. lycaonicus ( Güvenç 1996, Ekim et al. 2000, Güner et al. 2012, Ürker & Keçeli 2022). Based on field studies and census carried out during 2019, 858 individuals have been counted, 182 of which were fruiting. Approximately 10 subpopulations were found all around ALKİM Alkaline Chemistry Co. ( Ürker & Keçeli 2022) ( Fig. 6).

Considering the order of importance of the populations in Bolluk Lake, we identified the critical (primary) and secondary habitats of A. lycaonicus . The critical habitat of A. lycaonicus includes the land located just behind the Cihanbeyli-Bolluk Facilities (owned by ALKİM Alkaline Chemistry Co). This area is surrounded by canals on three sides and isolated by the shores of Bolluk Lake in the east, is of primary importance as the main refuge and habitat of the species. Other populations, which are encountered less densely at the entrance of the relevant enterprise and on the connection roads within the enterprise, are of secondary importance in terms of conservation biology ( Fig. 6).

There is no doubt that the major threat to the existence of A. lycaonicus is ALKİM factory which occupies the natural habitat of this extremely rare plant. This factory is the main cause of habitat destruction and the major source of salt dust in the area. Grazing, burning of stubble, and surrounding farmland are second-level threats to the species. Therefore, any long-term conservation measure requires close collaboration of the authorities and this factory.

Asparagus lycaonicus , which prefers extremely saline and sodic soils, is included in the Bern Convention Annex-1 list ( Council of Europe 1999); however, it is not included in the CITES Convention Annex lists ( CITES 1983). Considering the order of importance of the populations in Bolluk Lake, we identified the critical (primary) and secondary habitats of A. lycaonicus . The critical habitat of A. lycaonicus includes the land located just behind the Cihanbeyli-Bolluk Facilities (owned by ALKİM Alkaline Chemistry Co).

The very narrow distribution and the low number of living plants which is below 2500 individuals fulfills the B1-a criterion within the IUCN’s global red list threat categories, having a very narrow distribution and living area, under 2500 individuals in the current censuses. Since less than 250 of them are mature individuals, they meet criterion C2 (i) ( IUCN 2012) for evaluating A. lycaonicus as a Critically Endangered (CR) species.

The Iranian population was only found once in 1983 and has never been rediscovered since then; neither in the original locality nor in any other parts of the area and Iran. The hydrology of the area has been completely changed; the habitat has been converted into a semi-natural wetland; and fire and grazing are additional threats to the habitat. We may consider the same evaluation as Critically Endangered (CR) species based on the existing population in Turkey.

Considering the current critically endangered status for both populations in Iran and Turkey, we strongly recommend the authorities in Iran and Turkey to implement measures for conservation of Asparagus lycaonicus and restoration of its habitat.