ENDEMIC AND SUBENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES IN MT TREBESHINA IN SOUTHERN ALBANIA; THEIR STATUS AND THREATS

Abstract: The Trebeshina Mt is part of a very important Albanian mountain range Trebeshine-Dhembel-Nemercke, known for its biodiversity richness, situated in Southern Albania. Trebeshina Mt is one of the main source of livelihood for the surrounding communities, which have long benefited from the utilisation of its natural resources, mainly in harvesting of medicinal plants, grazing livestock and extensive use of woody ecosystems. The sustainable utilisation of mountain biodiversity, especially the conservation of subendemic and endemic vascular plant species that falls under the threatened IUCN categories is of great importance. In the present study we investigated the status of plant species grown in Trebeshina Mt and their threats factors this plants are facing. In total, we identified 15 endemic vascular plant taxa, from which 4% were endemic of Albania and 10% were subendemic. Based on IUCN categories, 50% of endemic plant taxa found in Trebeshina Mt are listed in the Albanian Red List and classified as threatened. The major threats affecting the status of endangered species were due to anthropogenic activity, habitat fragmentation and uncontrolled harvesting of medicinal plants. This study, as an approach of plant conservation, provides the first baseline for future research towards the protection of the endemic and subendemic plant species of this mountain in order to prevent future plant extinction and loss of biodiversity.