Current Distribution and Conservation Status Reassessment of the Cyprus Tulip (Tulipa Cypria: Liliaceae), New Data from Northern Cyprus

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Current distribution and conservation status reassessment of the Cyprus Tulip (Tulipa cypria: Liliaceae), new data from northern Cyprus

A. Trias-Blasi, S. Gücel & Ö. Özden

To cite this article: A. Trias-Blasi, S. Gücel & Ö. Özden (2017) Current distribution and conservation status reassessment of the Cyprus Tulip (Tulipa cypria: Liliaceae), new data from northern Cyprus, Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 151:3, 394-402, DOI: 10.1080/11263504.2016.1174177 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/11263504.2016.1174177

Accepted author version posted online: 11 Apr 2016. Published online: 19 May 2016.

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Current distribution and conservation status reassessment of the Cyprus Tulip (Tulipa cypria: Liliaceae), new data from northern Cyprus

A. TRIAS-BLASI1 , S. GÜCEL2, & Ö. ÖZDEN3

1Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK; 2Environmental Sciences Institute, Near East University, Northern Cyprus and 3Faculty of Architecture, Department of Landscape Architecture, Near East University, Northern Cyprus

Abstract Tulipa cypria, a Cyprus endemic plant, is protected under local and international legislations and categorised as “Endangered” by IUCN. Detailed habitat and distribution information was previously limited, particularly for northern Cyprus. Our objective was to accurately map the distribution and to collect habitat, subpopulation and threat data to enable a conservation status reassessment at global and regional levels. We gathered all available data and conducted extensive surveys focusing on northern Cyprus in 2014–2015, identifying 17 extant subpopulations amounting to 7765 individuals and the loss of 2 historical subpopulations amounting to 3500 individuals. We infer a continuous decline in population size and identify the major cause to be habitat loss through agriculture, with 75% of global habitats and 100% of northern Cyprus habitats being affected by it. We update the global assessment to Endangered B1ab(iii, iv, v) + B2ab(iii, iv, v) and suggest regional assessments for northern Cyprus (Endangered B1ab(iii, iv, v) + B2ab(iii, iv, v)), UN Buffer Zone (Endangered D1) and southern Cyprus (Endangered B2ab(iii)). Conservation priorities identified include initiation of gene transfer and life history studies, population trend monitoring and exsitu conservation actions.

Keywords: Conservation, endangered, endemic, habitats, plant red list

Introduction One of the most emblematic plant species in Cyprus is the endemic tulip Tulipa cypria Stapf ex The Mediterranean basin is regarded as 1 of the 25 Turrill (Turrill 1934; Cyprus Tulip or Black Tulip). biodiversity hotspots and its approximately 13,000 This taxon has a solitary unbranched scape and a endemic plant species account for 4.3% of all plant single flower held between 15 and 40 cm above ground, species worldwide (Mittermeier et al. 1998; Myers coming from a long corm often buried underground. et al. 2000), and the island of Cyprus in this hotspot The two lowermost leaves are up to 4 cm wide has been identified, together with South Anatolia, and 30 cm long, the others progressively smaller. as 1 of 10 finer scale hotspots in the Mediterranean The flower is a dark crimson colour with a small basin (Médail & Quézel 1999; Myers et al. 2000). truncate or rounded black blotch inside at the base, Cyprus is considered to be a centre of plant diversity sometimes obscure or absent, usually bordered with with almost 2000 species, of which 141 are endemic a very narrow yellowish zone, and its flowering period (Hand et al. 2011–). Overall, the level of endemism is is between March and April (Meikle 1985). Another especially high on the islands of the Mediterranean, two Tulipa species are known to occur in Cyprus, where species have evolved to survive in very specific T. agenensis Redouté and T. akamasica Christodoulou, habitats (Dapporto & Dennis 2008). However, there Hand and Charalambous (Christodoulou et al. are many threats affecting the plant habitats of the 2014). T. cypria has been suggested to be a variant of Mediterranean islands and although natural causes T. agenensis (Wilford 2006; Christenhusz et al. 2013) for degradation such as climate exist in the Mediter- based on morphological similarities and sympatric ranean area, humans have been causing environmen- distribution in Cyprus, whereas T. akamasica is tal degradation for millennia (Thirgood 1981; Vallejo closer to T. orphanidea Boiss. ex Heldr. from Greece et al. 2006).

Correspondence: A. Trias-Blasi, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AE, UK. Tel: +44 (0)2083325261. Email: [email protected]

Published online 19 May 2016 Current distribution and conservation status reassessment of the Cyprus Tulip 395 and Turkey (Christodoulou et al. 2014). The main Polemi subpopulation, not previously been recorded morphological difference separating T. cypria from in the literature, was surveyed in spring 2014. In- T. agenensis is the tepal colour, while the former has formation regarding the Mammari subpopulation in tepals as described above, the tepals of the latter are the UN Buffer Zone (hereafter referred as UNBZ) bright red with a conspicuous, acute yellow-bordered comes from literature and a survey conducted by the basal blotch (Meikle 1985). second author in 2008–2009 with special permis- T. cypria is thought to be distributed around the sion. For each subpopulation, the following parameters Geçitköy, Koruçam and Tepebaşı villages (Kormakiti– were determined: area, size (number of individuals), Myrtou–Panagra sensu Tsintides et al. (2007)), in elevation, trend, habitat and assessed threats (follow- the Akamas and around Mammari. Its habitats in- ing the IUCN threats classification scheme ver 3.2. clude Juniperus phoenicea L. maquis, pastures and (IUCN 2012b)). GPS coordinates, subpopulation cereal fields on limestone at altitudes between 100 area and elevation were measured using a GPS device and 300 m (Tsintides et al. 2007) listed in the Hab- (coordinates are withheld to avoid targeted collect- itats Directive as: 5210 “Arborescent matorral with ing). Subpopulation size was calculated by counting Juniperus spp.” and 5420 “Sarcopoterium spinosum the individuals in 10 random 1 × 1-m plots in each phryganas” (EC 2009). The current estimate of total subpopulation, calculating the average and extrapo- population size is more than 6000 individuals on the lating this figure to the population area. Subpopula- island, with an unknown population trend (Tsintides tion trend, habitat and apparent threats were collated et al. 2007; Bilz 2013). T. cypria is currently catego- from field observations. Data were used to calculate rised as “Endangered B2ab(iii)” on the IUCN Red the extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occu- List of Threatened Species (2011), and protected by pancy (AOO) using GeoCAT (Bachman et al. 2011; local and international legislations. It is listed under http://geocat.kew.org/) for the entire distribution of EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) as an Annex II the species and for each of the separate administra- plant species and occurs within the Akamas range, tive areas. AOO was calculated using IUCN’s stand- a state forest and Natura 2000 site (Tsintides et al. ard cell width of 2 km (IUCN 2014). GeoCAT sug- 2007). Additionally, it is protected under the Pro- gested a preliminary conservation assessment based tection of Northern Cyprus Flora and Fauna Ordi- on the EOO and AOO results (Criterion B). All data nance (Ordinance 21/97 Environment Law 10 (2)) above were used to reassess the conservation status and is strictly forbidden to cut T. cypria flowers or of this species applying the 2012a IUCN Categories take wild bulbs. and Criteria (ver 3.1). Even with the above conservation actions, a large dam was built in Geçitköy (northern Cyprus) between 2010 and 2014, destroying one of the largest Results T. cypria subpopulations. The conservation status of We identified a total of 17 subpopulations (Figure 1), the species needs urgent re-evaluation and strategies representing the most up-to-date distribution of the implemented if it is to survive. In this study, we fo- species. Fieldwork confirmed 14 NC subpopula- cus on: identifying the distribution of species across tions, while 2 historically recorded subpopulations the island, particularly in the less surveyed northern (Geçitköy village and Geçitköy dam) were found to Cyprus (hereafter referred as NC) area; and reas- be extinct (Table I and Figure 1). One SC subpop- sessing the conservation status at global and regional ulation was recorded from the literature (Akamas), levels. but field surveys in that area were not possible due to the political situation (Michael 2014). Contrary to literature reports (Tsintides et al. 2007), our sur- Methods veys showed the Mammari subpopulation occurred A systematic review of all available information on T. in the UNBZ, close to a military base, rather than cypria was performed and combined with field work SC. There have been addirional reports made by the in the northern part of the island. Historical distribu- general public of T. cypria also occurring around the tion information was compiled from literature, local Avtepe village in the Karpass peninsula in NC; how- knowledge and herbarium specimens at Near East ever, upon examination, the individuals in this sub- University (NEUN) and Royal Botanic Gardens, population appear to have intermediate characters Kew (K). Localities where the species had previous- between T. cypria and T. agenensis and are therefore ly been recorded in NC were visited during 2014– not included in this study until their taxonomic sta- 2015 to confirm its presence. Information regarding tus is resolved. southern Cyprus subpopulations (hereafter referred The current total estimated population size is as SC) came from various sources such as the liter- calculated here to be 7765 individuals: 4165 in NC, ature (Akamas) and local knowledge (Polemi); the 3500 in SC and 100 in the UNBZ (Table II). The 396 A. Trias-Blasi et al.

Figure 1. Distribution of Tulipa cypria. Note: Black dots represent subpopulations in Table I. estimated population size of each subpopulation 2014) suggests that “if EOO is less than AOO, EOO ranges between 20 and 2000 individuals (Table I). should be changed to make it equal to AOO to en- The subpopulation trend evaluations suggest that sure consistency with the definition of AOO as an of the 19 subpopulations: 2 have disappeared, 1 has area within EOO”; thus as the EOO in NC is less decreased, 2 are stable and the remaining 14 have an than the AOO, this should be adjusted to 16 km2 unknown trend (13 are newly assessed here) (Table I). (Table II). The habitats recorded are predominantly active cereal fields, grasslands and forests (particularly Mediterranean pine forest), except in the Akamas Discussion where it grows in open Juniperus phoenicea matorral- Reduction in population size and phrygana-type habitats (Table I). Threat information collected from the literature suggests the Past total population size estimates in the northern species is threatened by overgrazing, overcollection, part of the island were based on rough estimates urbanisation, use of herbicides, natural fires and rather than detailed surveys (Tsintides et al. 2007; reduced fecundity (EC 2009; Bilz 2013). The main Bilz 2013). Nevertheless, our NC subpopulation observed threats in this study relate to agricultural size estimates (4165 individuals) concur with esti- activities, human intrusions and disturbance and mates reported by the EC (2009) (>4000 individu- pollution (Table I). Construction and development als). However, we must note that the arguably largest have caused the destruction of the biggest subpopulation (Geçitköy dam; ca. 3000 individuals), subpopulation (Geçitköy Dam) but is currently not together with the Geçitköy village subpopulation an apparent threat. Additional threats are the use of (ca. 500 individuals), was recently destroyed by the T. cypria as a biological resource as there is evidence construction of a dam and by agricultural activities, its flowers and bulbs have previously been collected respectively; therefore, the NC subpopulation size and sold by the side of the roads, particularly on previously would have been closer to 7700 individuals the northern part of the island. However, recent than to the 4000 reported (EC 2009); the reduction observations suggest incidences have substantially in the NC subpopulation alone signifies approxi- decreased and is not a significant threat, most likely mately a 45% decline in the last five years. Similar- due to increase in awareness among locals through ly, we estimate that the total population size of this popular Tulip festivals and that collecting is now species would have previously been closer to 11,300 strictly forbidden under NC law. individuals and a reduction of 3500 individuals sig- The area of each subpopulation surveyed rang- nifies a 30% decline in the total population in the es between 185 and 31,212 m2 (Table I). GeoCAT past five years. While a stochastic event has resulted analyses at global and regional levels indicate EOO in population decline in NC, in SC, local knowledge values initially ranging between 4.2 and 1706 km2, suggests a continued decline of the Polemi subpopu- and AOO values ranging between 4 and 28 km2, sug- lation due to herbicide use in the surrounding fields, gesting this species might be classed as Endangered despite local authorities protecting the site where to Critically Endangered (full details Table II). How- the subpopulation occurs. To assess T. cypria based ever, section 4.9 in the IUCN guidelines (IUCN on population size reduction, the actual decrease Current distribution and conservation status reassessment of the Cyprus Tulip 397 classification scheme) classification Assessed threats (IUCN threat (IUCN threat Assessed threats Most plausible threat: human Most plausible threat: intrusions and disturbance (6.2) in the form of military activi - zone in the buffer Located ties. extending into a northern Cyprus military base Additional threats are pollution Additional threats due to herbicide use (9.1.2), transportation due to road de - (4.1) and biological velopments resource use due to picking flowers (5.2.1) and collecting bulbs Most serious plausible threat: Most serious plausible threat: agriculture (2.1.4) Most serious plausible threat: Most serious plausible threat: agriculture (2.1.4) Most serious plausible threat: Most serious plausible threat: agriculture (2.1.4) being cut in spring Pine trees were will plant olive 2015 and owner trees Most serious is plausible threat agriculture (2.1.4) by agri destroyed - Subpopulation culture (2.1.4) by com - destroyed Subpopulation in the formmercial development of a dam construction (7.2) Habitat Open grassland cere - between patch al field and forest Cereal field Cereal field Cereal field Cereal field grass - Cereal field, and land patches forest mixture Mediterranean pine forest Unknown Ploughed field Cereal field Mediterranean pine forest Cereal field Cereal field In forest habitat Forest, cereal field Forest, and grassland patches In cereal field Currently a dam, previously a mix of fields and forest Trend Unknown. First Unknown. observation First Unknown. observation First Unknown. observation First Unknown. observation Unknown Unknown. First Unknown. observation First Unknown. observation First Unknown. observation Unknown. First Unknown. observation First Unknown. observation First Unknown. observation Unknown. First Unknown. observation Unknown. First Unknown. observation Unknown. First Unknown. observation. Although likely to be reduced Stable In Disappeared. 500, 2014 ca. none in 2015 Disappeared around 3000 in none in the past, 2014 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 Years Years assessed 2008–2009 2014–2015 2014–2015 2009–2015 77 56 203 208 221 223 200 203 201 215 215 203 203 211 214 218 171 Elevation (m Elevation above sea level) above ) 2 996 332 185 500 300 3634 1119 2619 3366 3226 8419 6266 8500 5200 9891 31,212 22,083 Area of sub population (m population 0 0 20 40 70 20 20 20 20 55 100 100 500 300 1000 1000 1000 population size population Estimated sub - Estimated area Administrative Administrative Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) UN Buffer Zone (UNBZ) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Northern Cyprus (NC) Locality ş ı 6 Tepeba ş ı 7 Tepeba ş ı 8 Tepeba ş ı 9 Tepeba ş ı 10 Tepeba ş ı 11 Tepeba Mammari ş ı 3 Tepeba ş ı 4 Tepeba ş ı 5 Tepeba ş ı 2 Tepeba ş ı 1 Tepeba Koruçam 2 Geçitköy village Geçitköy dam Geçitköy Koruçam 1 number Subpopulation Subpopulation 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 8 9 10 7 6 5 1 2 3 4 Tulipa cypria. of Tulipa Current of the populations status I. Table 398 A. Trias-Blasi et al.

would have needed to be measured over longer than 10 years or 3 generations (Criterion A, C1 and E (IUCN 2014)). Unfortunately, our surveys do not go back 10 years nor are we able to ascertain or even estimate the generation length for this species or any related Tulipa species due to lack of relevant data.

classification scheme) classification Geographic range: Fragmentation, locations and continuing decline Assessed threats (IUCN threat (IUCN threat Assessed threats No threats, in protected area No threats, pollution in Most plausible threat: the form of herbicide use in neigh - However, bouring fields (9.1.2). villagers run and have a festival signs advising against interfering with the plants The geographic range of T. cypria was calculated here as EOO and AOO, which alone suggest the species might be threatened under Criterion B. However, additional information on degree of fragmentation, Habitat number of locations, decline or extreme fluctuations in specific parameters are required to ascertain the Cereal cultivations, Cereal cultivations, open pastures, Juniperus phoenicea matorral and phry - gana (EC 2009 ) In non-cultivated field level of threat; extreme fluctuations in population size or distribution area have not been observed in T. cypria. For this species, information on breeding system, Trend survivorship and seed duration is lacking (EC 2009); Stable Decrease. Ac - Decrease. cording to local the knowledge subpopulation used to be much due to larger but this pesticide use, has dwindled however, the minimum viable population (MVP) (Gilpin & Soulé 1986) was estimated to be 500– 1000 mature individuals per subpopulation (EC 2014 Years Years 2009 ) 2009). Reduced fecundity has been highlighted to assessed 2005 (EC be a plausible threat for this species (EC 2009), suggesting difficulty with gene transfer among subpopulations, which might contribute to population frag-

424 mentation. All liliaceous genera such as Tulipa are 100–300 entomophilous and their floral organ arrangements Elevation (m Elevation above sea level) above promote outbreeding (Tamura 1998). Although we ) 2 lack specific pollination biology data for most Tulipa species, a study has suggested that red bowl-shaped flowers such as those in T. agenensis (and in T. cypria) 10,000 Unknown

Area of sub are pollinated primarily by scarabaeid (Glaphyridae)

population (m population beetles and secondarily by bees (Halictidae and Anthophoridae) (Dafni et al. 1990). Although the foraging distance of most Glaphyridae beetles is unknown, they are strong fliers (Carlson 2001). 2000 1500 7765 Maximum foraging ranges have been estimated for population size population Estimated sub - Estimated several bees, the European honey bee being the species thought to be capable of travelling the furthest at 14 km (Zurbuchen et al. 2010). The flattened seeds in most Tulipa species suggest wind dispersal area (Tamura 1998), although the distance they travel

Administrative Administrative remains unknown. Southern Cyprus (SC) Southern Cyprus (SC) We observed that T. cypria in NC occurs at 14 localities distributed in and around 4.2 km2 with no significant geographical barriers; therefore, its plausible pollinators could travel between Locality them allowing gene flow. The NC subpopulations Akamas Polemi do not appear to be isolated and together, they amount to 4265 individuals, a figure well above the estimated MVP. The Mammari subpopulation (UNBZ) is located approximately 20 km south- number east of the NC subpopulations, suggesting Subpopulation Subpopulation 18 19 size population estimated Total Current distribution and conservation status reassessment of the Cyprus Tulip 399

Table II. GeoCAT analysis’ results at global and regional levels.

GeoCAT EOO/suggested GeoCAT AOO/suggested Current estimate No. of assessment assessment individuals Global 1706 km2/endangered 28 km2/endangered 7765 Regional – northern Cyprus 4.272 km2 *(adjusted to match 16 km2/endangered 4165 AOO)/Critically Endangered Regional – southern Cyprus Unable to calculate as there is 8 km2/critically endangered 3500 only two subpopulations Regional – UN Buffer Zone Unable to calculate as there is 4 km2/critically endangered 100 only one subpopulation Notes: EOO: extent of occurrence. AOO: area of occupancy. *In line with guidelines in section 4.9 (IUCN 2014). some possible genetic flow as there are no T. cypria grows in the Akamas is protected as it is a apparent geographic barriers. However, the Natura 2000 site (Tsintides et al. 2007), representing population size in Mammari is substantially only 25% of the total population size. The remain- below the estimated MVP for T. cypria at only 100 ing subpopulations are either outside Natura 2000 individuals. The distance between the Mammari and sites or in areas such as NC, which are not in the NC, and SC subpopulations ranges between 70 and European Union and their habitats are not protected 85 km and is separated by the Troodos Mountains, by European law. Our data indicate two subpopula- which on the northern end can exceed 1000 m in tions have disappeared due to habitat loss (Geçitköy altitude, suggesting gene flow is unlikely between village and dam) and most of the other subpopula- these subpopulations. Both SC subpopulations tions are in areas currently affected or likely to be (Akamas and Polemi) are above the MVP size, and affected by it. There has been a population reduction the distance between them is 26 km, suggesting due to agricultural activities, which currently affect the possibility of some gene flow. Although there is and are likely to continue to affect the area, extent a degree of fragmentation between subpopulations and quality of the habitat where 75% of this species located in the north and south, these two areas exist, unless additional conservation actions are put contain subpopulations that are likely to have some in place. This fulfils conditionb (iii) in Criterion B. gene flow and contain more than enough individuals As a consequence, habitat loss, the number of sub- to be viable subpopulations. Thus, our data suggest populations and mature individuals have declined there is no severe fragmentation currently observed by 10 and 30%, respectively. These are also likely to in T. cypria at neither global nor regional levels decline along with habitat loss in the future and thus and consequently, it does not fulfil the “severe fulfil condition b (iv and v). In NC, agricultural ac- fragmentation” element of condition a in Criterion B. tivities have destroyed habitats and subpopulations, Agriculture is the most plausible threat affect- and are likely to continue to affect the area, extent ing all subpopulations in the north of the island as and quality of 100% of T. cypria’s habitat in the re- most are located in active cereal plantations; these gion. The number of subpopulations has declined by can be considered a single location following IUCN 12.5%, while the number of individuals has declined guidelines (2014). While the most plausible threat by 45%. The above fulfils conditionb (iii, i, iv) in for the Mammari subpopulation is human intrusion Criterion B at the regional level. The habitat where and disturbance due to military activities, for the Po- the UNBZ subpopulation is present is likely to be lemi subpopulation, it is pollution due to herbicide affected by human disturbance as it extends into use; each of them is thus considered separate IUCN a military base. However, there is no documented locations. The Akamas subpopulation is not current- evidence this is likely to continue in the future and ly affected by any threats, but we consider it a sep- therefore it does not fulfil condition b in Criterion B arate location to the rest. Therefore, the number of at the regional level. Nevertheless, if a continued de- T. cypria IUCN locations determined in this study is cline is seen in the geographical range, habitat qual- four, which fulfils the “location” element of condi- ity and population size were observed or thought to tion a in Criterion B under Endangered. At regional be highly likely in the future, it would mean that it level, both NC and UNBZ contain one IUCN loca- would fulfil all of the prerequisites to be assessed as tion each, while SC contains two; all regions fulfil Critically Endangered under Criterion B2 ab (iii) at the “location” element of condition a in Criterion B the regional level. In SC, agricultural activities are under Critically Endangered. likely to continue to affect the area, extent and qual- Habitat loss, chiefly through agriculture expan- ity of the habitat of one (Polemi) of two subpopula- sion, is a threat affecting both Cyprus’ diversity tions, containing 42% of the regional population. A (IUCN 2013) generally and T. cypria (Bilz 2013) continued decrease of habitat and population size in particularly. However, only the habitat where the Polemi subpopulation would have negative con- 400 A. Trias-Blasi et al. sequences for the Akamas subpopulation (currently tunately, reduced fecundity being one of the main unaffected) as it would become increasingly isolated. pressures affecting this species was not supported by There is enough evidence to fulfil condition b (iii) at evidence in the Habitats Directive report (EC 2009); the regional level. thus, the need for further research. Life history data such as seed dispersal and pollination biology are extremely important to understand potential genetic Small population size fragmentation between populations and identify is- The current global population size of T. cypria is be- sues which can then be addressed with appropriate low 10,000 individuals, and has been inferred above conservation actions. Also, since T. cypria has been to be in continuous decline due to habitat loss. How- suggested to be a variant of the more widespread ever, the number of mature individuals in some of the T. agenensis (Wilford 2006; Christenhusz et al. 2013), 17 subpopulations is equal to or exceeds 1000 and it would be recommended to include populations no fluctuations in the number of mature individuals of T. agenensis (and of the intermediate individuals have been observed; thus, it cannot be assessed un- examined in Avtepe) in the study to determine the der Criterion C. The same is true for the SC subpop- degree of relatedness between these two taxa. If they ulations when assessed at the regional level. We infer were proven to be conspecific, the geographical range that at a regional level, the NC population is contin- of this species would be much larger than that of T. uously declining, which together with a population cypria with a dramatic increase in population size, size of under 10,000 individuals and subpopulations EOO and AOO, resulting in this species not being with 1000 or less individuals each qualifies it to be considered threatened at global nor regional levels. assessed at the regional level as Vulnerable following However, we have no current information regarding Criterion C2 a(i). The UNBZ contains a single sub- T. agenensis to speculate in detail about the possible population with a population size small enough (100 outcome of such an assessment and the potential individuals) to qualify to be assessed at the region- conservation actions derived from it. al level based on Criteria C and D (IUCN 2014). Exsitu conservation actions should be consid- The continuous decline of this subpopulation has ered as a priority, thus preventing the loss of the not been confirmed and therefore we are unable to current genetic pool. As shown in our study, the assess it using Criterion C. However, population size extent and quality of the habitats of 75% of the alone (<250 individuals) suggests that this subpop- T. cypria individuals are declining due to agricultural ulation might be assessed as Endangered following activities; therefore, priority should be given to the Criterion D1. Additionally, a population size under collection and storage of genomic resources, specif- 1000 individuals, together with an AOO of 4 km2, ically to seed banking with a view to setting up an a single location and a possible future threat posed artificial propagation programme and reintroducing by unexpected military activities in the area, which the taxon in non-disturbed areas. As the creation of could drive this subpopulation to become Critically micro-reserves has proven to be effective in protect- Endangered, suggests it could be assessed as Vulner- ing the flora of the Mediterranean region (Laguna able following Criterion D2. et al. 2004), this could also be considered as a conservation option in endemic-rich Cyprus. It would involve the protection of a network of small statu- Updated conservation assessments tory reserves, which would include a large number of individual species and natural habitats (Laguna The evidence analysed here indicates that this spe- et al. 2004). Once genetic resources are secured cies is threatened at both global and regional levels. for T. cypria, the inclusion of this species in micro- We update the global assessment to be Endangered reserves might prove beneficial for its conservation. B1ab(iii, iv, v) + B2ab(iii, iv, v). At the regional level, Authorities in NC currently protect the species and we suggest the following assessment: NC: Endan- this effectively stops flower and bulb collecting, but gered B1ab(iii, iv, v) + B2ab(iii, iv, v); UNBZ: En- does not protect its habitat. These habitats, particu- dangered D1; and SC: Endangered B2ab(iii). larly in NC, are mostly current or future agricultural sites owned privately and land protection and man- Recommended conservation actions agement conservation actions would be difficult to implement and enforce as agriculture is a source Much remains unknown about T. cypria, particular- of livelihood for locals. An option is to suggest the ly the gene flow between subpopulations is unclear delay of crop harvesting in Tulipa sites until they and a population genetics study across the entire have flowered (allowing pollinator visitation), and species range would assess if fragmentation might matured into fruits (allowing seed dispersal). For be a threat, considering reduced fecundity has been this to be viable, surveys to ascertain crop harvesting previously suggested to affect this species. Unfor- timings of barley – the main crop cultivated in T. c y p - Current distribution and conservation status reassessment of the Cyprus Tulip 401 ria sites – would need to be conducted. This might be Geospatial conservation assessment tool. ZooKeys 150: 117– difficult as it would require commitment from each 126. landowner. Alternative incentives for local farmers, Bilz M. 2013. Tulipa cypria. The IUCN red list of threatened species (Version 2014.3). Available: http://www.iucnredlist. such as conservation payments and the exchange of org. Accessed Feb 2015 10. T. cypria sites for alternative land, would be more Carlson DC. 2001. Glaphyridae MacLeay 1819, Glaphyrid scarab effective. Additional information on population and beetle. 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