Aira uniaristata

Reported threats for this species refer to potential degradation of suitable habitats. Mediterranean seasonal pools and ponds have been described as highly sensitive to eutrophication processes (Molina et al. 2009). In Tunisia, biodiversity of these ecosystems has been described as threatened on a short-term perspective, mainly due to human activities such as urbanisation, drainage and agriculture, as well as the pollution of natural environments (Ghrabi-Gammaret al. 2009a, 2009b). However, it remains unclear at which extent these threats affect the populations of this species.

The Mediterranean temporary ponds ecosystems where the species occurs are included as Habitats of European importance in the Habitat Directive (habitat 3170, Annex I). 

Research has been carried out in order to increase and improve available information about the ecology and distribution of related habitats. Proposed actions aiming at enhancing the conservation status of suitable habitats imply the urgent development of scientific investigations and adapted protection measures (Ghrabi-Gammar et al. 2009a), including the monitoring of trends affecting wetlands ecosystems.

Seasonal wetlands where the species is present in Morocco have been studied within the framework of the Spain-Morocco joint research project (PCI-Mediterráneo) (Molina et al. 2009), promoted by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo, AECID).