Conservation biology of the Pyrenean larkspur (Delphinium montanum):: a case of conflict of plant versus animal conservation?

Delphinium montanum is a larkspur endemic to the Pyrenees. It has c. 4000 individuals and is classified as vulnerable following the IUCN categories. Pollination ecology results demonstrated that it is strictly dependent on pollinator activity (mainly bumblebees) to set seeds. Genetic diversity estimated by allozyme variation at 7 loci showed quite high levels of variation related to its polyploidy. Predation by Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra pyrenaica), first detected in 1993, caused a continuous loss of > 90% of seed set in a protected area. The maintenance of high genetic diversity suggests the buffer effect of polyploidy and seed bank strategy to counter animal grazing, but long-term effects on conservation are expected. These results stressed: (1) the need for a plan to monitor this animal-plant interaction; and (2) the need to monitor closely the population number of individuals of certain protected animal species in Natural Reserves, particularly if ecological competition has been disturbed by human intervention. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.