Rare Species Discovered in Averto Valley: Ranunculus baudotii

During the phytosociological surveys carried out today by botanist Leonardo Ghirelli during the update of the vegetation map of the WWF Oasis of Valle Averto, the presence of Ranunculus baudotii was ascertained, an aquatic buttercup considered seriously threatened in Veneto, where until now it was known only for one station in the Euganean Hills. 

In fact, the population of the Oasis of Valle Averto represents the second station in Veneto after that of Monte Ricco on the Euganean Hills (VILLANI et al., 2004). In the regional Red List of vascular plants (BUFFA et al., 2016) Ranunculus baudotii is assessed with CR status (Critically threatened), a category attributed to species considered to be at extremely high risk of extinction in nature.

It is likely that thanks to better water management in the Oasis, following the hydraulic interventions carried out within the LIFE FORESTALL Project, it was possible to maintain adequate water levels in the area where this very rare species was found. 

This report contributes to increasing the importance of the WWF Oasis of Valle Averto also with regard to vegetation, as well as fauna.

Read here the related published scientific article