Red data list of charophytes in the Balkans

The occurrence of 47 species of all the six recent genera of charophytes recorded in the Balkans is demonstrated. Our aim was to assess their status of threat according to the 2001 IUCN threat categories and criteria, in order to establish the Red List of Charophytes distributed in the Balkan Peninsula. The List underlines the diversity of charophytes in this part of the world and provides guidelines for its conservation. Analysis of the charophytes in each category of threat has provided a general overview of their distribution, species richness, population features and possibility of survival throughout the various regions of the Balkan Peninsula.