Cirsium zarkosii
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Cirsium zarkosii faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in its limited mountain range. Urban development and infrastructure projects have further fragmented its already restricted populations. Climate change poses an additional risk by altering the specific alpine conditions this endemic thistle requires for survival.
Habitat
This endemic thistle occupies alpine and subalpine meadows in mountainous regions, typically growing in well-drained soils at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. It favors open grasslands and rocky slopes with specific soil chemistry and moisture conditions.