Protection of endemic wild pear species and their genetic diversity in Armenia

Protection of threatened wild pear species and securing viability of their populations in Armenia.

Partner: Armenian Society of Biologists
Years: 2020-2023

The main goal of the project is to secure genetic diversity and viability of five globally threatened endemic pear species in Armenia.

Armenia is one of the worldwide centres of wild pear genetic diversity. The high level of endemism and species richness of wild pears is especially remarkable in Vayots Dzor region, where the project implementation sites are located. They cover two of six “hotspots” for pear diversity in Armenia. 26 of the 32 pear species of Armenian flora are found at the project sites; 8 of them are globally threatened species with small area of occupancy and very low number of mature individuals. The main threats to their populations are wildfires, road/infrastructure construction and logging.

The main goal is to secure genetic diversity and viability of five globally threatened endemic pear species in Armenia. The project supports the establishment of nurseries and their planting in the wild while also storing seeds of wild pears in local seed banks. The local communities are fully engaged in all project activities: establishment of backyard nurseries, launch of a Pear Caretakers initiative and other awareness raising and education activities.