NEWS: PROMONT SPECIES SPOTLIGHT: ALBANIA – MT. TOMORR

For this week’s news let’s take a look at the target species located on Mount Tomorr, pilot area of our Albanian partners, Regional Centre for Development and Cooperation: two very interesting species that have a lot to teach us.

Scientific name: Juniperus foetidissima

Common name: Stinking juniper – Venja

Family: Cupressaceae

Conservation status: The plant is the dominant species forming the priority Natura 2000 habitat ” 9560 * Endemic forests with Juniperus spp.” and it is both on Albania’s and IUCN red lists.  

Causes: Juniperus foetidissima is not only limited in distribution but also increasingly affected by a range of human-induced threats. The overexploitation of forests, particularly for the species’ durable, moisture-resistant wood used in traditional roofing, has led to unsustainable harvesting. Compared to the past, the number of individuals has significantly declined, largely due to these pressures. Additionally, the growing risk of wildfires—driven by rising summer temperatures—poses a serious threat, as the species is slow to regenerate. Habitat degradation is also ongoing, as parts of its natural range are converted into pastureland, where juniper plants are often cleared to make space for grazing.

Information about the species: Juniperus foetidissima is a medium-sized, long-lived evergreen tree typically growing 3 to 5 meters tall, though it can occasionally reach up to 20 meters. It has an impressive lifespan of up to 1,500 years. The species flowers from December to June and is mainly dioecious, with separate male and female plants; however, some individuals are monoecious, producing both male and female flowers. Its fruit is a berry-like, globose cone about 1 cm in diameter, dark violet-purple to nearly black, containing 1 to 3 seeds. Seeds mature from November to February, two years after pollination. These fruits provide an important food source for many wild bird species. The tree and its habitat thrive at elevations between 700 and 900 meters above sea level but are limited to small areas in Albania, including a concentrated stand covering 25 to 30 hectares within Tomorr Mountain National Park.

Interesting facts/why it is important: Juniperus foetidissima wood is highly prized for its hardness, durability, and natural resistance to insects and fungi. Traditionally, it was widely used for roofing houses, crafting furniture, and making agricultural tools—a testament to its importance in local rural life and craftsmanship across the Balkans.

Scientific name: Campanula aureliana

Common name: Aurelian Bellflower – Lulekambana vezulluese

Family: Campanulaceae Juss.

Conservation status: According to the IUCN Red list category (IUCN 2014), this species is proposed to be included on the list of threatened plants as Vulnerable—VU D1/2, due to its rarity, number of mature individuals and restricted population distribution. However, The Albanian Red List of Species dates in 2013 and C. aureliana was identified and confirmed in 2014. Because of that, it is not in the actual red list of the country.

Causes:Campanula aureliana faces significant risks due to its highly limited distribution, fragmented into only four locations within Tomorr Mountain National Park. Half of these populations are situated near settled areas, while the other half occur in zones with high tourist activity, exposing the species to intense human pressure. One of the greatest threats comes from quarrying operations in the area, some of which are illegal, which have the potential to destroy the rocky habitats where this plant grows. Such destruction could result in the extinction of the entire global population in a single event. Additionally, accidental collection by locals and tourists poses another risk, especially since there is currently no information or signage to raise awareness of the species’ vulnerable status.

Information about the species:Campanula aureliana is a steno-endemic species found exclusively on Tomorr Mountain, making it the only population of its kind worldwide. It grows in modest numbers on rocky limestone surfaces, typically between 500 and 1950 meters above sea level, favoring shady crevices. The plant’s leaves form a basal rosette; they are dark green, heart-shaped, and covered with stiff hairs, featuring irregular, tooth-like edges. Its flowers are usually blue-violet and appear singly or in small clusters. The seeds are shiny, brown, and oval-shaped. The species is fragmented into four subpopulations located near Tomorr village, Kapinove village, the Castle of Tomorr, and the northern peak of the mountain.

Interesting facts/why it is important: As a steno-endemic species, Campanula aureliana is found nowhere else in the world, making its conservation not only a national but a global priority. Its survival is critical for maintaining the unique biodiversity of the Mediterranean limestone ecosystems of Mt. Tomori. 

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Photos by: 
Juniperus foetidissima by Jan van der Straaten on Saxifraga Foundation
Campanula aureliana by Regional Centre for Development and Cooperation