Airopsis délicat

Identified threats affecting the species refer to the degradation of temporary freshwater wetlands. 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,b). In Algeria, a population of the species located in the Réghaïa forest was reported to have been destroyed by the construction of a military aerodrome (IUCN 1959), and in Portugal, the same threats of agriculture expansion and also urbanisation also impact the species in some areas (A. Carapeto pers. comm. 2018).

This species is under different protection schemes within its distribution. In France, it is included in the list of threatened plant species of the regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Rhône-Alpes (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle 2015). In Italy, it is included under the category "low risk" in the Red List of the region of Toscana (Gigante et al. 2007).

The species is present in protected areas within its distribution, such as Doñana National Park (Spain) (Mañez 2006) and the sites Natura 2000 Basse Vallée du Var (France) (TransFaire 2012) and Boschi di Ferretto - Bagnolo (Studio Naturalistico Hyla 2012). It is also included in an in situ conservation plan developed in partnership by the natural areas conservation service of the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) along with the Natural Park of Luberon (Tatin 2012).

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

Mediterranean temporary ponds are included as Habitats of European importance in the Habitat Directive (habitat 3170, Annex I). Conservation measures in place include research projects carried out to gain deeper knowledge about the diversity and ecology of Mediterranean seasonal pools and ponds ecosystems. Further research is needed in order to implement proper conservation policies (Médail et al. 1998). Between 1999 and 2004 the LIFE project "Mares Temporaires" was carried out with the objective of improve the management of seven French Mediterranean temporary ponds ecosystems as well as to develop management tools and protocols that could been applied at a Mediterranean region level in a framework of rising awareness and integrated management (Grillas et al. 2004).