Threatened flora of the Pityusic Islands (Ibiza and Formentera)

The project

Ibiza, Formentera and the neighbouring islands have a very remarkable flora with a high degree of biogeographic originality, which is more akin to the flora of the Iberian southwest than to the rest of the Balearic Islands. Several of its flora species are included in regional, national and European species protection regulations.

Nine of these species are in a less than favourable state of conservation  and are under varying degrees of threat. There is a high degree of interest in conserving ten other species and that are worthy of attention and management to guarantee their future. It should also be noted how most of these plants have ended up in unfavorable situations due to the intense changes in how the land is being used as a result of the current tourism economy.

Knowing this could promote the environmental component of tourism in this regard, and the resulting improvement in people’s attitudes towards the environment. Furthermore, nature watching should be part of the naturalistic tourism activities on offer in the Pityusic Islands, given its potential to generate employment potential for local professionals and economic opportunities in spring and autumn. 

With all this in mind, the following are the main actions that will therefore take place through this project:

- Detailed mapping of the distribution of the species

- Seed collection, cultivation and propagation of priority species

- Molecular studies

- Establishment of Microreserves or Critical Biological Areas

- Detailed demographic tracking of the most threatened species

- Management of the habitat

- Control of invasive species that may affect threatened species

- Preventive measures against fire in critical areas

- Publicity and awareness-raising