B. Papp szerk.: Studia Botanica Hungarica 37. 2006 (Budapest, 2006)

Dobolyi, Konstantin: Study of the population dynamics of Linum dolomiticum Borbás (Linaceae)

Studio bot. hung. 37, pp. 35-39, 2006 STUDY OF THE POPULATION DYNAMICS OF LINUM DOLOMITICUM BORBÁS (LINACEAE) K. DOBOLYI Department of Botany, Hungarian Natural Histoiy Museum H-1476 Budapest, Pf. 222, Hungary; dobolyi@bot.nhmus.hu The population dynamics of the narrowly endemic Linum dolomiticum was investigated between 2001 and 2005. Population size, seed production and fertility rate were determined. Ratio of the new and extinct individuals was calculated. Key words: Linum dolomiticum, population dynamics, population size, seed production INTRODUCTION Protection and possible recovery of rare or endangered species require an understanding of the biological status of their populations, and the ecological and genetic factors that affect the growth, survival and reproduction of the populations (SCHEMSKE et al. 1994). A rare species may continue to be at risk of extinction, due to demographic or environmental stochastic factors that may limit the resilience or ability of the population to recover. When population size is reduced, demographic and environmental stochasticity become increasingly important (MENGES 1986). Demographic monitoring can provide information about population growth rates, survival, reproduction and structure, and can be used to identify critical life history stages and those factors that affect them. Demographic studies can be used to predict future population changes, and to analyse specific, targeted action that may be needed to increase the likelihood of a species' survival (TRAVIS and SUTTER 1986, MENGES 1986). Population dynamics and demographic characteristics of several plant species were studied in Hungary of late years. Demographic parameters and life history of Taraxacum serotinum in different habitats were analysed by MOLNÁR and BOKROS (1996). Demographic study and monitoring of a number of rare and protected plant species {e.g. Digitalis lanata Ehrh., Ferula sadleriana Ledeb., Himantoglossum adriaticum Baumann, Orchis ustulata L., Botrychium virginicmum (L.) Sw. were also carried out (POZSONYI 1999-2000, KALAPOS 1998, BÓDIS and ALMÁDI 1998, BÓDIS 1998, BAGI et al. 2004, BAGI 2006). Monitoring and demographic study of Linum dolomiticum were proposed by the National Biodiversity Monitoring Program (TÖRÖK 1997), which set up a general purpose of monitoring of rare plant species, mapping distribution areas, identiStudia Botanica Hungarica 37, 2006 Hungarian Natural History Museum. Budapest