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An overview of internationally important plant taxa from Kosovo Cover

An overview of internationally important plant taxa from Kosovo

Open Access
|Feb 2025

Figures & Tables

Figure 1:

Plant families of internationally important plant taxa and their number of taxa.Slika 1: Družine mednarodno pomembnih rastlinskih taksonov in njihovo število.
Plant families of internationally important plant taxa and their number of taxa.Slika 1: Družine mednarodno pomembnih rastlinskih taksonov in njihovo število.

Figure 2:

International directives and conventions and their corresponding numbers of plant taxa of the main 5 families. Abbreviations: LYCO (Lycopodiaceae), COMP (Compositae), GENT (Gentianaceae), BORA (Boraginaceae), LILI (Liliaceae), AMAR (Amaryllidaceae), BUXB (Buxbaumiaceae), ORCH (Orchidaceae), PRIM (Primula), RANU (Ranunculaceae), ERIC (Ericaceae).Slika 2: Mednarodne direktive in konvencije ter število rastlinskih taksonov za glavnih pet družin. Okrajšave: LYCO (Lycopodiaceae), COMP (Compositae), GENT (Gentianaceae), BORA (Boraginaceae), LILI (Liliaceae), AMAR (Amaryllidaceae), BUXB (Buxbaumiaceae), ORCH (Orchidaceae), PRIM (Primula), RANU (Ranunculaceae), ERIC (Ericaceae).
International directives and conventions and their corresponding numbers of plant taxa of the main 5 families. Abbreviations: LYCO (Lycopodiaceae), COMP (Compositae), GENT (Gentianaceae), BORA (Boraginaceae), LILI (Liliaceae), AMAR (Amaryllidaceae), BUXB (Buxbaumiaceae), ORCH (Orchidaceae), PRIM (Primula), RANU (Ranunculaceae), ERIC (Ericaceae).Slika 2: Mednarodne direktive in konvencije ter število rastlinskih taksonov za glavnih pet družin. Okrajšave: LYCO (Lycopodiaceae), COMP (Compositae), GENT (Gentianaceae), BORA (Boraginaceae), LILI (Liliaceae), AMAR (Amaryllidaceae), BUXB (Buxbaumiaceae), ORCH (Orchidaceae), PRIM (Primula), RANU (Ranunculaceae), ERIC (Ericaceae).

Figure 3:

The most dominant genera of plants and their corresponding numbers of taxa.Slika 3: Prevladujoči rastlinski rodovi in število taksonov.
The most dominant genera of plants and their corresponding numbers of taxa.Slika 3: Prevladujoči rastlinski rodovi in število taksonov.

Figure 4:

The treated Conventions and Directives of internationally important plants and the corresponding number of such plants for each directive accordingly. For abbreviations see Table 1.Slika 4: Obravnavane konvencije in direktive mednarodno pomembnih rastlin in njihovo število. Za okrajšave glej Tabelo 1.
The treated Conventions and Directives of internationally important plants and the corresponding number of such plants for each directive accordingly. For abbreviations see Table 1.Slika 4: Obravnavane konvencije in direktive mednarodno pomembnih rastlin in njihovo število. Za okrajšave glej Tabelo 1.

Figure 5:

Taxa of international importance in Kosovo and their proportional presence on the European Red List of Vascular Flora and the Kosovo Red Book of Vascular Flora.Slika 5: Mednarodno pomembni taksoni na Kosovu in njihov delež v Evropskem rdečem seznamu vaskularnih rastlin in Rdečem seznamu vaskularne flore Kosova.
Taxa of international importance in Kosovo and their proportional presence on the European Red List of Vascular Flora and the Kosovo Red Book of Vascular Flora.Slika 5: Mednarodno pomembni taksoni na Kosovu in njihov delež v Evropskem rdečem seznamu vaskularnih rastlin in Rdečem seznamu vaskularne flore Kosova.

Figure 6:

Threats posed to internationally important plant taxa.Slika 6: Grožnje mednarodno pomembnim rastlinskim taksonom.
Threats posed to internationally important plant taxa.Slika 6: Grožnje mednarodno pomembnim rastlinskim taksonom.

Figure 7:

Main habitat types of internationally important plants in Kosovo.Slika 7: Glavni habitatni tipi, v katerih se pojavljajo mednarodno pomembni rastlinski taksoni na Kosovu.
Main habitat types of internationally important plants in Kosovo.Slika 7: Glavni habitatni tipi, v katerih se pojavljajo mednarodno pomembni rastlinski taksoni na Kosovu.

Figure 8:

Distribution of internationally important plant taxa across major mountain ranges and regions in Kosovo.Slika 8: Razširjenost mednarodno pomembnih rastlinskih taksonov v glavnih gorskih verigah in območjih na Kosovu.
Distribution of internationally important plant taxa across major mountain ranges and regions in Kosovo.Slika 8: Razširjenost mednarodno pomembnih rastlinskih taksonov v glavnih gorskih verigah in območjih na Kosovu.

Overview of internationally important plant taxa of Kosovo_Tabela 1: Pregled mednarodno pomembnih raslinskih taksonov na Kosovu_

No.FamilySpecies ▼HDBernCITESEURL (EU-XK)Threat(s) posedHabitat descriptionLocalities in Kosovo
1RanunculaceaeAdonis vernalis L.--IIBLC - ENCollection due to its medicinal and decorative properties, oresXerophilous forest edges, dry meadowsGërmi (Prishtinë), Gazimestan, Gllarevë, Burojë, Gllamë (Gjilan)
2OrchidaceaeAnacamptis coriophora (L.) R. M. Bateman & al.--IIBLC -Habitat conversion and degradation, agriculture and deforestationWet meadows and woodland edges prone to flooding, preferable over slightly acidic soilsSharri Mts. (Maja e Zezë)
3OrchidaceaeAnacamptis laxiflora (Lam.) R. M. Bateman & al.--IIBLC -Water abstraction for agriculture and urbanization, collectionWet pastures and marshes, full sunlight slopesAlbanian Alps of Kosovo (Bjeshkët e Deçanit), Ferizaj
4OrchidaceaeAnacamptis morio (L.) R. M. Bateman & al.--IIBNT -Reduction in habitat quality, agriculture, industrial development, grazing, collection due to its medicinal propertiesBroad ecological tolerance: forest fringes, subalpine-alpine grasslands, alkaline rich soils,Sharri Mts. (Luboten), Malet e Jezercit, Malet e Mushtishtit, Gërmi, Istog, Golesh, Albanian Alps of Kosovo (Bjeshkët e Rugovës), Dragash, Koritnik, wd+
5OrchidaceaeAnacamptis palustris (Jacq.) R. M. Bateman & al.--IIB-Collection for ornamental purposes, agriculture, collection due to its medicinal propertiesWet pastures and marshes, full sunlight slopesSharri Mts. (Luboten)
6OrchidaceaeAnacamptis papilionacea (L.) R. M. Bateman & al.--IIBLC -Grazing, agriculture, urbanization, fires, collection due to its medicinal propertiesRocky grasslands, poor soil grasslands and meadows - full sunlight slopesGërmi (Prishtinë), Ibër river banks (Mitrovicë), Shalë e Bajgorës, Malet e Jezercit, Sharri Mts. (Lumbardhi i Prizrenit)
7EricaceaeArctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.---DLC -Collection due to its medicinal properties. Very valued speciesDry (calcareous & serpentine) grasslands of large Mt. massifsSharri Mts., Pashtrik, Koritnik,malet e Mushtishtit (Pashallare, Balkë) Albanian Alps of Kosovo, Bjeshkët e Istogut, Kopaonik Mt. (Bajraku)
8CompositaeArtemisia umbelliformis subsp. eriantha (Ten.) Vallès-Xirau & Oliva BrañasV---ENSkiing, cycling, tourism – habitat degradationSiliceous rocky slopes and crevicesAlbanian Alps of Kosovo (Gjeravicë), Sharri Mts. (Luboten, Livadhishtë, Shtëpi e Malorëve)
9BuxbaumiaceaeBuxbaumia viridis (Moug. ex Lam. & DC.) Brid. ex Moug. & Nestl.III---Hydrographic changes, trees remain dry and therefore are inadequate for their growthWet rotting spruce forests - over felled trees in different stages of decompositionAlbanian Alps of Kosovo (Lumbardhi i Deçanit)
10CyperaceaeCarex acuta L.-Res6--LC -Habitat drainage and lossWet meadows and along lakes.Kopaonik, Viti
11PrimulaceaeCyclamen hederifolium Aiton--IIB-Collection and habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, and land development.On rich humus soils, shaded forests. WoodlandsCentral Kosovo (Lipovicë) and North Kosovo (Braboniq, Çubrel), Gjilan, Kaçanik, Malësia e Gjakovës, Sharri Mts.,Malet e Mushtishtit, Koritnik (Vlashnje) Pashtrik and Albanian Alps of Kosovo, Malet e Istogut) wd+
12PrimulaceaeCyclamen purpurascens Mill.--IIB-Over-collection and habitat lossShrubby vegetation and deciduous forests. WoodlandsViti, Albanian Alps of Kosovo
13OrchidaceaeDactylorhiza cordigera subsp. bosniaca (Beck) Soó--IIBLC -Collection and habitat loss, overgrazingWet grasslands, around streams - montane & subalpine beltsSharri Mts. (Brod, Luboten, Kobilicë, Oshlak)
14OrchidaceaeDactylorhiza cordigera (Fr.) Soó subsp. cordigera--IIBLC -Collection due to its medicinal properties and habitat loss, scattered populationsWet grasslands, round streams - montane & subalpine beltsAlbanian Alps of Kosovo (Jabllanicë, Gjeravicë), Sharri Mts. (Piribreg, Brezovicë, Oshlak), Pashallare (Kroni i Alisë)
15OrchidaceaeDactylorhiza incarnata (L.) Soó subsp. incarnata--IIBLC -Habitat loss due to agricultural expansionWet meadows, along waterlogged forest edges, lowland-to montaneIstog, Artanë, Kaçanik, Albanian Alps of Kosovo (Rugovë), Sharri Mts. (Oshlak, Maja e Zezë)
16OrchidaceaeDactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soó--IIBLC -Habitat loss due to agriculture, urbanization and infrastructureDry and wet forest meadows (coniferous and deciduous) – from lowland to alpineAlbanian Alps of Kosovo, Sharri Mts., Malet e Mushtishtit (Pashallare), Pashtrik, Koritnik, Kopaonik, wd+
17OrchidaceaeDactylorhiza saccifera (Brongn.) Soó--IIBLC -Habitat loss due to agriculture, urbanization and infrastructureWetlands adjacent to the thermophilous forestsShalë e Bajgorës, Jezercë, Koritnik
18LycopodiaceaeDiphasiastrum alpinum (L.) HolubV---- ENSmall and fragmented populationsSubalpine to alpine meadows (silicate)Sharri Mts. and Albanian Alps of Kosovo
19OrchidaceaeEpipactis atrorubens (Hoffm.) Besser--IIBLC -Limited distribution, fragile populationsDeciduous woodlands, woodland edges, and scrublandAlbanian Alps of Kosovo (Liqenat, Koprivnik), Sharri Mts. (Kobilicë), Malet e Mushtishtit (Pashallarë)
20OrchidaceaeEpipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz subsp. helleborine--IIBLC -Habitat drainage, deforestation and grazingMedio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-FagionSharri Mts. and Albanian Alps of Kosovo, Malet e Mushtishtit (Pashallare)
21OrchidaceaeEpipactis microphylla (Ehrh.) Sw.--IIBNT -Use of herbicides, limited distribution, fragile populationsMedio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-FagionAlbanian Alps of Kosovo (Lumbardhi i Deçanit, Marjash, Bjeshka e Belegut)
22OrchidaceaeEpipactis palustris (L.) Crantz--IIBLC -Limited distribution, agriculture, grazingAlkaline fens. Forest wet meadows, from montane to subalpine regionsSharri Mts. (Restelicë, Dragash)
23LiliaceaeFritillaria graeca Boiss. & Spruner-I--DD - CRCollection due to its ornamental properties, limited distributionCalcareous thickets and rocky grasslandsPashtrik
24LiliaceaeFritillaria gussichiae (Degen & Dörfl.) RixIVI--DD -Limited distribution, collection by botanists & due to its ornamental propertiesCalcareous thickets and rocky grasslandsDomorovc (Kamenicë), Gjurgjevik (Kaçanik)
25LiliaceaeFritillaria montana W. D. J. Koch-I--DD -Habitat loss due to infrastructure and urbanizationMeadows, sparsely vegetated grasslands and thicketsArtanë, Mitrovice, Golesh, Prishtine, Albanian Alps (Gubavc), Sharri Mts.
26AmaryllidaceaeGalanthus elwesii Hook. f.--IIBDD -Collection for medicinal and decorative purposes. Very small population - sensitive habitatsSubalpine wet meadowsSharri Mts. (Vracë, Dragash)
27AmaryllidaceaeGalanthus nivalis L.V-IIBNT -Collection due to its ornamental propertiesForest edges and clearings, subalpine.Gërmi, Mali Drenicë, Viti, Artanë, Jezerc, Koritnik, Koznik, Radipojë, Albanian Alps of Kosovo, Malet e Mushtishtit, Sharri Mts., wd+
28RubiaceaeGalium rhodopeum Velen.-I--DD - CROvergrazing, road constructionRocky slopes, forest edges, and open meadows, calcareous, serpentine rocky grasslandsArtanë
29GentianaceaeGentiana lutea L.V--DLC - VUUncontrolled collection due to its medicinal propertiesPastures, ridges, rocky slopes, thickets - up to 2500 m a.s.l.Pashtrik, Koritnik, Malet e Mushtishtit (Pashallare), Kopaonik, Albanian Alps of Kosovo, Bjeshkët e Istogut, Sharri Mts.
30RosaceaeGeum bulgaricum Pančić-I--LC - NTCollection, limited distribution and small populations, firesRocky sites and crevices of subalpine and alpine beltsAlbanian Alps of Kosovo (Zhleb, Rusoli, Liqenat, Bjeshkë e Lumëbardhit, Bogë, Koprivnik, Hajlë, Maja e Vjellakut)
31IridaceaeGladiolus palustris GaudinII/IVRes6--DD - ENThreatened by mowing, grazing, pollution by fertilizers and pesticides, constructionWet meadows and thicketsSharri Mts. (Brezovicë, Koxha Balkan), Jezerc, Koritnik, Koznik, Radipojë, Novo Bërd (Llabjan), Dragash (Llopushnik)
32OrchidaceaeGoodyera repens (L.) R. Br.--IIBLC -Collection, limited distribution and small populationsIn shaded forests (coniferous and deciduous) in wet habitats and along streamsAlbanian Alps of Kosovo (Lumbardhi i Pejës)
33OrchidaceaeGymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br.--IIBLC -Habitat loss and fragmentation, climate changeWet grasslands (silicate & calcareous), scrubsSharri Mts. (Vërtop), Albanian Alps of Kosovo, Jezerc, Malet e Mushtishtit (Pashallare), Morinë, Pashtrik Dobërdol, Mirushë, Carralevë, Koritnik.
34OrchidaceaeGymnadenia frivaldii Hampe ex Griseb.--IIBLC - NTHabitat loss and fragmentation, grazing,Oligo- to mesotrophic mires, fens and wetlands of the montane and subalpine belts of mountain massifsSharri Mts., Albanian Alps of Kosovo, Bjeshkët e Istogut (Mokna)
35OrchidaceaeGymnadenia nigra (L.) Rchb. f.--IIBLC -Habitat loss and fragmentation, climate changeCalcareous, rocky grasslands of subalpine to alpine beltsKopaonik (Bajrak), Shalë e Bajgorës, Sharri Mts., Malet e Mushtishtit (Balke Bjeshkët e Qehajes) Albanian Alps of Kosovo, wd+
36OrchidaceaeGymnadenia odoratissima (L.) Rich.--IIBLC -Tourism, recreation, grazingSilicate wet grasslands, scrub, subalpine beltSharri Mts. (Maja e Zezë)
37LycopodiaceaeHuperzia selago (L.) Schrank & Mart.V---ENGrazing, infrastructure, tourism & recreational activitiesSpruce forests, thickets, fir-spruce-beech forests (subalpine to alpine), Alpine and Boreal heathsSharri Mts., (Shutman, Vracë, Rudokë), Albanian Alps of Kosovo (Gjeravicë)
38CompositaeKlasea lycopifolia (Vill.) Á. Löve & D. LöveII/IVRes6--DD -Habitat conversion to arable lands - excessive grazingForest edges (dry oak forests). wet grasslands and meadowsPrishtinë, Kijevë, Podujevë, Shtime, Gllogovc (Dobroshec), Pashtrik
39OrchidaceaeLimodorum abortivum (L.) Sw.--IIBLC -Infrastructure, over-collection, grazing, habitat fragmentationMontane pasture slopes and pine forest clearings and vicinities, Pannonian woods with Quercus pubescensIbër river banks (Mitrovicë), Albanian Alps (Gryka e Rugovës, Koprivnik, Maja e Vjellakut), Firajë (foothill of Luboten Mt.), Luboten Mt.
40LycopodiaceaeLycopodium clavatum L.V--DLC -Habitat loss & degradation, population declinesTemperate Forests and Woodlands (coniferous and deciduous forests) – Heathy vegetation and coniferous forests vicinities, moist or slightly dry grasslandsSharri Mts. (Kobilicë, Maja e Zezë), Shalë e Bajgorës
41AmaryllidaceaeNarcissus poeticus subsp. radiiflorus (Salisb.) Baker-I--DD - ENOver-collection – due to its ornamental propertiesWet meadows of lowland to mountain regionsKaçanik, Dumnicë, Ferizaj, Artanë, Dobroshec, Fushë Kosovë, Albanian Alps of Kosovo (Maja e Vjellakut, Llaz Bellopaç, Rugovë), Brezovicë, wd+
42OrchidaceaeNeottia cordata (L.) Rich.--IIBLC -Deforestation, fires, grazingWoodlands and forests / Wet grasslands, peat bogs, mossy ground under pine trees (acidic soils)Albanian Alps of Kosovo
43OrchidaceaeNeottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich.--IIBLC -Infrastructure development, collection, habitat fragmentation, firesCalcareous wetlands and clearings inside beech forests, conifer forests and mixed broad leaved forestsMalet e Mushtishtit, Ibër river banks (Mitrovicë)
44OrchidaceaeNeottia ovata (L.) Bluff & Fingerh.--IIBLC -Tourism and recreation, deforestationWet grasslands, fens and shrubs. Slightly acidic soilsGërmi (Prishtinë)
45OrchidaceaeNeotinea tridentata (Scop.) R. M. Bateman & al.--IIB-Plant collection, ecological succession, climate changeWet grasslands and along forest edgesGërmi (Prishtinë), Sharri Mts. (Luboten), Malet e Mushtishtit (Rusenicë), Albanian Alps of Kosovo, Bjeshkët e Istogut (Radushë)
46OrchidaceaeNeotinea ustulata (L.) R. M. Bateman & al.--IIB-Agricultural intensification, collection, tourism, infrastructure developmentAlluvial meadows, forest edges, marshlandKoritnik, Kolashini i vjetër (Mitrovicë), Gërmi (Prishtinë), Koznik, Malet e Mushtishtit
47OrchidaceaeOphrys apifera Huds.--IIBLC -Plant collection, urbanization, tourismForest edges (deciduous and pine forests), grasslands and forest clearingsGërmi (Prishtinë), Leposaviq (Ibër river banks), Sharri Mts. (Oshlak), Bjeshkët e Istogut (Mbi Syne)
48OrchidaceaeOrchis mascula subsp. speciosa (Mutel) Hegi--IIBLC -Habitat fragmentation, urbanization, grazingRocky mountain ledges, deciduous woodland edgesGërmi (Prishtinë), Ibër (Mitrovicë)
49OrchidaceaeOrchis militaris L.--IIBLC -Declining population due to overgrazing, vegetation successionDry grasslands, scrub vegetation, forest edgesMalet e Mushtishtit (Baqevc), Kolashini i vjetër (Mitrovicë)
50OrchidaceaeOrchis pallens L.--IIBLC -Urbanization and infrastructure expansion, deforestation, climate changeMountain to alpine grasslands, scrub, forest edgesSharri Mts., Gërmi (Prishtinë)
51OrchidaceaeOrchis purpurea Huds.--IIBLC -Collection of the tuber for the production of salep, urbanization, tourism, infrastructureRocky grasslands, scrub vegetation, alkaline to neutral soilsGërmi (Prishtinë), Sharri Mts. (Luboten, Maja e Zezë, Bistër), Mushtisht Mts.
52OrchidaceaeOrchis simia Lam.--IIBLC -Collection of the tuber, agriculture, urbanizationDry grasslands and scrubland vegetation, dry to slightly wet conditionsGërmi (Prishtinë)
53OrchidaceaePlatanthera bifolia (L.) L. C. M. Richard.--IIBLC -Urban and infrastructure development, grazing, collectionGrasslands of subalpine belt, shrubby vegetation, rocky grasslands - silicateGolesh, Sharri Mts. (Maja e Zezë, Luboten), Koritnik, Malet e Mushtishit (Dolloc, Manastir), Pashtrik (Vlashnje, Kushnin), Albanian Alps of Kosovo
54BoraginaceaePontechium maculatum (L.) Böhle & Hilge (=Echium rubrum Jacq.)II/IVRes6---Habitat loss due to urbanization, afforestation, invasive speciesAlong-roads, in the mountain beltAlbanian Alps of Kosovo, Pashtrik, Golesh, Kaçanik, Morinë, Qafë Prush,Rajoni i Mirushes, Koznik, Kramovik
55GesneriaceaeRamonda serbica PančićIVI--LC - VUThe use of plants for scientific or horticultural purposesCalcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetationPashtrik, Sharri Mts., Malet e Mushtishtit (Gryka e Rusenicës) Albanian Alps of Kosovo
56RanunculaceaeRanunculus fontanus C. Presl-I--DD -Habitat conversion to arable lands – draining, agricultureWaterlogged meadowsSharri Mts. (Luboten - Tupan)
57OrchidaceaeSpiranthes aestivalis (Poir.) Rich.--IIBDD -Wetlands draining and infrastructure developmentWet and waterlogged meadows and forestsAlbanian Alps of Kosovo (Lumbardhi i Pejës)
58AmaryllidaceaeSternbergia colchiciflora Waldst. & Kit.--IIBLC -Natural succession, the invasion of Robinia sp. and Ailanthus sp., urbanizationRocky calcareous grasslandsFshajë (Drini i bardhë Canynon)
59ScrophulariaceaeTozzia alpina subsp. carpathica (Woł.) Pawł.II/IVRes6--DD - ENSensitive mire habitats, weak water inflow, peat habitat degradationWet habitats and along rivulets in subalpine-alpine belts of the mountainsSharri Mts., Albanian Alps of Kosovo
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3986/hacq-2025-0009 | Journal eISSN: 1854-9829 | Journal ISSN: 1581-4661
Language: English
Page range: 95 - 110
Submitted on: Jun 19, 2024
Accepted on: Aug 30, 2024
Published on: Feb 21, 2025
Published by: Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 2 issues per year

© 2025 Fadil Millaku, Elez Krasniqi, Naim Berisha, published by Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts
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