Synecology, conservation status and IUCN assessment of <i>Potentilla fruticosa</i> L. in the Italian Alps

<i>Potentilla fruticosa</i> L. is a self-incompatible clonal shrub, characterized by a wide circumpolar distribution (Asia and North America). In Europe the species has many peripheral isolated populations, and within the Alps it is confined to a restricted area of the Maritime Alps (Italy and France). In alpine environments <i>P. fruticosa</i> is affected by a significant lack of information about current population status and little and conflicting information is reported about its potential habitat. Our study investigated <i>P. fruticosa</i> populations on the Italian side of the Alps to evaluate its synecology, syntaxonomy and conservation status. Results showed that six out of the seven populations inventoried in the area during the study, consisted of 20 or fewer individuals, and only one included a high number of plants. The species was observed in the study area within the <i>Caricetum frigidae</i> association (<i>Caricion davallianae</i> alliance), very close to small creeks characterized by fairly constant water levels. In the Italian Alps <i>P. fruticosa</i> has a very restricted geographic range, estimated at around 16 km² (extent of occurrence). Isolation of populations affected viable seed production. A continuing decline in the quality and extent of the habitat is expected due to the continuing abandonment of pastures that began 40 years ago in the study area. According to the most recent IUCN categories and criteria the species should be listed at the regional/national level as Critically Endangered.

金露梅（*Potentilla fruticosa*）L.是一种自交不亲和的无性系灌木，具有广泛的环极分布范围，自然分布于亚洲与北美洲。在欧洲，该物种存在多个外围隔离种群；在阿尔卑斯山脉范围内，其仅局限于滨海阿尔卑斯山脉（意大利与法国境内）的狭小区域。
在高山生境中，目前关于金露梅的种群现状信息严重匮乏，而针对其潜在适宜生境的相关报道不仅极少，且结论相互矛盾。本研究针对阿尔卑斯山脉意大利一侧的金露梅种群展开调查，旨在评估其群落生态学特征、植物群落分类学地位与保护现状。
研究结果表明：本次调查区域内共记录7个金露梅种群，其中6个种群的个体数量不超过20株，仅1个种群拥有较多植株。该物种在调查区域内被发现于寒生薹草群丛（*Caricetum frigidae*，隶属于多花薹草群丛组*Caricion davallianae*）中，生境紧邻水位相对稳定的小型溪流。
在意大利阿尔卑斯山脉区域，金露梅的地理分布范围极为狭小，估算发生范围（extent of occurrence）仅约16平方千米。种群隔离对其有活力种子的产生产生了不利影响。自40年前起，研究区域内的牧场持续弃耕，预计其生境的质量与范围将持续退化。
根据国际自然保护联盟（IUCN）最新的红色名录类别与标准，该物种在区域/国家层面应被列为极危（Critically Endangered）等级。

搜集汇总

背景与挑战

背景概述

该数据集研究了意大利阿尔卑斯山区Potentilla fruticosa L.（一种灌木）的种群生态、分类和保护状况。研究发现该物种分布范围极窄（约16平方公里），多数种群个体稀少（≤20株），且因牧场废弃导致栖息地持续退化，根据IUCN标准被评估为极危物种。数据集包含原始调查数据和补充文件，用于支持濒危植物保护研究。