Endangered species take root at the action sites in Galicia (17/01/2015)

The work performed at the Wetland of Cospeito (SCI Parga-Ladra-Támoga) to improve different types of habitats of Community interest and, more specifically, that of Eryngium viviparum have benefited other aquatic species. Not only have populations of Eryngium viviparum (a priority species in Europe) taken root, but two other endangered species of flora have also been found: Luronium natans and Pilularia globulifera, both aquatic plants.

Luronium natans can live in large expanses of water, small pools, rivers and slow-flowing brooks. Spain marks the southernmost boundary of its area of distribution and is home to extremely scattered populations in small areas isolated from one another, leading to the species’ inclusion in the Spanish Catalogue of Endangered Species as In Danger of Extinction.

Pilularia globulifera is a fern measuring just a few centimetres (3-15) which spends a good deal of the year under water. There are not many populations in Spain, those in the Terra Chá wetlands being the most noteworthy due to their relative abundance. The plant’s state of conservation has led to its being classified as In Danger of Extinction in the Galician Catalogue of Endangered Species.

Luronium natans

Pilularia globulifera