Photo credit: Gabriele Carcangui/Arkive
Exclusively native to one site in the island of Sardinia (Italy), the Nuragica Columbine, Aquilegia nuragica, is classified as ‘CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. It is a perennial herb that grows in a gorge along the seasonal Flumineddu River on the nearly vertical limestone cliffs. Nuragica columbine has only been found in an extremely small site, occupying just a few dozen square meters of a gorge. The number of individuals is very low and they appear to be declining; only 10-15 individuals are believed to exist in this unique population.
Nuragica Columbine is facing a high extinction risk due to natural factors rather than human impact. However, the species is mentioned on several tourist websites, which might attract collectors.
There is no current legal protection in place for Nuragica Columbine, but an action plan needs to be developed and implemented. Collecting interest in this species must also be deterred by removing detailed information concerning the exact location of the species. Cultivating Nuragica Columbine in botanical gardens is recommended.
To learn more about the Nuragica Columbine, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species by clicking their logo below.
