Distribution, ecology and conservation survey on Trifolium michelianum Savi (Fabaceae) in Sicily (Italy)

Abstract

We report the identification of four residual stations for Trifolium michelianum Savi (Fabaceae) in Sicily, whereas the species was documented to be extinct at the Gorgo Cerro station (western Sicily), the only locality previously reported in the literature. In addition to an update on the distribution of the species, a survey on the new Sicilian populations led to their biological, ecological and phytosociological characterization, as well as to an assessment of the risk factors. The species, here relegated to the limit of its distribution area, occurs in particularly sensitive and vulnerable environments, such as the “Mediterranean temporary ponds”, considered “priority” by the Council Directive 92/43/EEC. Moreover, a new Sicilian association (Trifolio micheliani–Glycerietumspicatae ass. nova), framed in the alliance Glycerio-Sparganion (class Phragmito-Magnocaricetea), is described.

Keywords::

• Conservation of nature
• critically endangered species
• “Mediterranean temporary ponds (3270)”
• phytosociology
• Sicilian flora

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr Emanuele Del Guacchio (Bagnolifutura SpA – Naples), Dr Giacomo Calvia (Berchidda – Province of Olbia-Tempio) and Dr Federico Marrone (University of Palermo) for having provided the bibliographic references relating, respectively, to Campania, Sardinia and the Hyblean areas; Dr Rosario Galesi (University of Catania) and Dr Giovanni Giardina, for having showed us, respectively, the exact location of the Syracuse Sinkholes at Buccheri (SR) and Gorgo di Gaetanello at Ficuzza (PA). They are heartily thankful to Prof. Tomei (University of Pisa) for having sent us valuable bibliographical material relating to the Tuscan stations of the species.