Six endemic plant species from central Argentina: an evaluation of their conservation status

The purpose of this study is to determine the conservation status of six vascular plant species with a restricted distribution or endemic to the mountainous areas in the province of Córdoba, central Argentina, by using the IUCN 1994 Red List Categories. The population number was estimated using a statistical method based on field data. The predicted decrease in the population number on a 10 yr projection was estimated taking into account the area to be used for future afforestation programs. To determine the area of occupancy and the extent of occurrence, an exhaustive bibliographical survey was carried out and herbarium specimens deposited in several institutions were revised. Aa achalensis, Adesmia cordobensis, Buddleja cordobensis, Croton argentinus and Oenothera cordobensis were considered as Vulnerable, whereas Solanum restrictum was assigned to the Endangered category. The categories assigned to Aa achalensis and Solanum restrictum are considered at the global level, whereas those assigned to Croton argentinus, Oenothera cordobensis, Adesmia cordobensis and Buddleja cordobensis should be considered at the local level. In all six cases the risk of extinction is high and suitable conservation strategies should be developed for each species. The most important threat factor is the planned afforestation in the area using exotic timber species; under these conditions the creation of a reserve in the studied area would be desirable in order to conserve five of the plants studied and, considering that 95% of its species are indigenous, the local flora as a whole.