Recommendations for the conservation of Crassula peduncularis (Sm.) Meigen, a critically endangered species in Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT Crassula peduncularis (Sm.) Meigen is a critically endangered herbaceous species in Brazil, with an occurrence restricted to the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The last recorded collection of the species in Rio Grande do Sul occurred in 2016 in the municipality of Caçapava do Sul. Herein, we record for the first time C. peduncularis in two conservation units in the Southern Brazilian Grasslands. The populations discovered are small, growing in wet areas under sandstone rocky outcrops and halomorphic soils, popularly known as blanqueales. The main threats to the species in these protected areas are habitat loss caused by biological invasion, cattle trampling, and fires. To mitigate these threats, we recommend the encouragement of scientific research and the popularization of knowledge, as well as the adoption of good cattle management practices and the protection of habitats where the species occurs.

Keywords

• Conservation
• Halomorphic soil
• Pampa biome
• Park grassland
• Rocky outcrop