Senecio alboranicus
Overview
Senecio gallicus, an annual plant of the genus Senecio and family Asteraceae, is a species that colonizes isolated habitats with difficult environmental conditions. It is widespread across southern France and the Iberian Peninsula in deserts and xeric shrublands, on steppes and salty dry coastal plains. S.
gallicus is playing a predominant role in shaping patterns of genetic structure by presenting models of historical associations among population rather than patterns of ongoing gene flow.
Senecio alboranicus faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on Alboran Island, where the entire population is confined to less than one square kilometer. The species is highly vulnerable to habitat degradation from military activities, infrastructure development, and invasive plant species that compete for the limited suitable habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought stress in this Mediterranean island environment.
Habitat
This endemic species is restricted to rocky coastal areas and cliff faces on Alboran Island in the Mediterranean Sea. It grows in sparse vegetation communities adapted to the island's arid conditions and salt spray exposure.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in ASTERACEAE
Threatened in Morocco
Frequently asked questions
Why is Senecio alboranicus classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Senecio alboranicus live?
What are the main threats to Senecio alboranicus?
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