Distribution of Origanum vulgare L. and Population Dynamics During the Last Decade in Armenia

This paper examines the distribution and structure of populations of a medicinal and culinary herb native to Armenia. As one of the first countries to join the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Armenia has a strong interest in assessing the biodiversity of its native flora and identifying threats to the conservation of these species, particularly those with economic value. Only limited information, however, is available at this time on the genetic biodiversity, population location, structure and size, and conservation status of most of these species. This paper reports the results of five consecutive years of field studies conducted in Armenia to 1) re-locate native populations of the important medicinal and culinary herb, Origanum vulgare L., 2) locate new populations, and 3) assess the growth pattern and dynamics of the populations. The quadrat sampling technique was used to identify key elements that determined population size and abundance. GPS maps of present and past population distributions were created. Particular habitat and environmental factors were identified as crucial to predicting the future conditions of these populations under the impact of global climate change. The research provides a baseline dataset that can be used for the development of further conservation strategies of this important medicinal and culinary species in Armenia.