Conservation Assessment of a critically endangered endemic Polygonum samsunicum (Polygonaceae) with emended description from Turkey

Polygonum samsunicum is one of the endemic species from Turkey. Up to now, it has been only known from the type locality (Samsun /Ladik). This research intends to define the global conservation status and strategies of locally distributed endemic P. samsunicum which has been confronted with the danger of extinction due to anthropogenic effects in recent years. In this research, we did extensive field studies and collected all needed data for determining the precise conservation status of P. samsunicum. We reported nine additional populations from Upper Tersakan valley, where the Mediterranean climate is dominant, and the size of populations, altitude, coordinates, habitat types, and the threats it faces in each locality were given. GeoCAT analyses at global levels indicate the grade of occurrence 21.609 km(2) and area of occupancy 10.094 km(2) and there could be an inferred decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation of the original population, suggesting local endemic species might be classified as CR, based on criteria B1ab (i, ii, iii) + 2ab (i, ii, iii) in the Red List categorization. Its parts are also consumed by local people due to its medicinal features. For in-situ conservation, phenological life history and detailed ecological studies, as well as population monitoring and ex-situ conservation studies should be continued together. Establishing cooperation between universities, research institutes, and local management authorities is strongly needed for long-term monitoring of population size, distribution, overgrazing, and public awareness.

Automated summary

This research aims to determine the global conservation status and strategies of the endemic species Polygonum samsunicum in Turkey, which is facing the danger of extinction. Nine additional populations of P. samsunicum were found in Upper Tersakan valley, and their population size, altitude, coordinates, habitat types, and threats were recorded. GeoCAT analyses suggest a decline in the species' occurrence and area of occupancy, potentially leading to a Critically Endangered classification. In addition, the species is consumed for its medicinal features. Recommendations for in-situ conservation and cooperation between universities, research institutes, and local management authorities are made.