Situation actuelle d'Alopecurus rendlei (Poaceae) en Lorraine belge : évolution des populations au cours des quinze dernières années

Actual situation of Alopecurus rendlei (Poaceae) in Belgian Lorraine: population trends over the last fifteen years. Alopecurus rendlei is an annual meadow grass species of low forage value, which is known in Belgium only from the Lorraine and Mosan districts. In Wallonia, this legally protected species is mainly found in grasslands on marls or more or less carbonated clays. A previous assessment of its conservation status in Belgian Lorraine, carried out between 2007 and 2012, highlighted its clear decline. This downward trend was confirmed between 2012 and 2022, with the loss of 14 growing sites and a reduction of 24% of the occupied area. Over the last fifteen years, 22 growing sites have disappeared and 46% of the species’ area has been lost. None of the meadows where A. rendlei was found in 2022 is protected as a nature reserve. Despite the species’ legal protection, its conservation status is further deteriorating. Finally, this article briefly describes its status in neighboring areas.