Tulipa vvedenskyi

The broadest threat to this species is livestock overgrazing, which is occurring across areas of the Uzbek part of the range as well as across Tajikistan (Tojibaev and Beshko 2015, Nowak et al. 2020). This is leading to declines in habitat quality as well as damage to flowering individuals primarily through trampling or indirect damage, although livestock occasionally can eat the plant. This is the only threat occurring to subpopulations in Tajikistan.

In Uzbekistan, this species is also impacted by mining activities and the construction of roads in areas of its distribution leading to habitat loss and degradation as well as the decline in mature individuals across some subpopulations; these threats have already led to the loss whole subpopulations. The threat of mining is increasing with large new mines being opened/reopened in areas of this species range.

In addition, collection and trade of this plant is a significant threat and causing rapid declines in some subpopulations especially those close to settlements and infrastructure. This species can often be seen being sold near roads in Uzbekistan near to wild subpopulations. Finally, climate change may pose a threat to this species with projections suggesting that large areas of tulip habitat will be lost in the future (Wilson et al. 2021), but the direct impact on this species is uncertain.

This species is recognised as Endangered in Uzbekistan (Tojibaev and Beshko 2015), but is has not been assessed in Tajikistan. This species occurs in the Ugam-Chatkal National Park and Chatkal State Biosphere Nature Reserve in Uzbekistan, however is not in any protected areas in Tajikistan. It is estimated around 40-50% of the Uzbek population of this species is in protected areas. This species is recorded in 23 ex situ collections (BGCI 2022). There is a need to raise awareness and educate people about this species precarious situation. In addition, collection of this plant needs to be drastically reduced and trade in this species halted.