Ranunculus sardous in Uzbekistan
Ranunculus sardous (Ranunculoideae) is native to the Canary Islands, North Africa, and from Europe (excluding Northern Europe) to the West Caucasus. It has been accidentally introduced in other regions of the world, including Northern European countries such as Sweden. Additionally, it occurs in Australia, China, India, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and North America. In its native and invasive ranges, it occurs in disturbed areas, particularly wet habitats and lowlands, irrigated crops and road verges. R. sardous was first observed in Uzbekistan in 2012 and since then field observations have confirmed the presence of at least ten populations of this species in the Tashkent and Namangan regions. It is found in many types of disturbed habitats, especially in damp habitats. It occurs in protected areas in Ugam-Chatkal National Park and occasionally invades natural plant communities. Populations include densities ranging from 70–100 per 100 m2. Overall, R. sardous does not currently pose a major threat to biodiversity in Uzbekistan. However, due to its limited range and that it has further areas suitable for expansion, an eradication campaign should be carried out to prevent any possible future expansion. Both natural spread and accidental human-mediated spread could promote its arrival and establishment in new sites.
Sources
Makhkamov TKh, Brundu G, Jabborov AM, Gaziev AD (2023) Predicting the potential distribution of Ranunculus sardous (Ranunculaceae), a new alien species in the flora of Uzbekistan and Central Asia. BioInvasions Records 12(1), 63–77, https://doi.org/10. 3391/bir.2023.12.1.05