Laurynas Taura, Zigmantas Gudžinskas

Cephalanthera longifolia and Cephalanthera rubra (Orchidaceae) in Lithuania. Analysis of distribution, population dynamics and conservation issues

Abstract Accurate assessment of conservation strategy and management actions for threatened plant species requires comprehensive quantitative information on population status and trends. This study aimed to analyse, evaluate and summarise all available information on Cephalanthera longifolia and Cephalanthera rubra in Lithuania. All known literature sources, published from the end of the 18th century to the present, mentioning species of the genus Cephalanthera in the present and historical territory of Lithuania were analysed, and herbarium specimens were examined. Data on the area occupied by populations of Cephalanthera longifolia and Cephalanthera rubra were collected during field surveys in 2021–2024. The number of localities of Cephalanthera longifolia in Lithuania has increased during the last two decades, and it was estimated that they occupy a total of 22.98 ha. Currently, there are four localities of Cephalanthera rubra in Lithuania, whose status and size are regularly assessed, occupying a total of 2.10 ha. Most localities of Cephalanthera rubra occur in protected areas, while almost half of the localities of Cephalanthera longifolia occur outside protected areas. Two case studies showed that Cephalanthera longifolia can colonise abandoned arable land and thrive in early successional tree stands and tree plantations. Objective knowledge of rare species populations is necessary for decision-makers to design an effective conservation system and implement the measures required for their protection.

Doi https://doi.org/10.35513/Botlit.2024.4.2

Keywords conservation, distribution, herbarium, management, population dynamics, population size, protected species

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