Thorea hispida
Thorea hispida (Thore) Desv.
Thorea ramosissima Bory
Rhodophyta: Thoreaceae
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(i,ii,iii); C1].
Morphology and biology. Thallus filamentous and strongly branched, 10–15 cm in length (rarely up to 100 cm), dark red to violet and sometimes even darker, almost black-green in colour. Central part of the thallus embedded in colourless mucilaginous sheath. Asexual reproduction by monosporangia, which are situated on the apices of the short branches, either solitary or in groups; only visible with microscope.
Habitats and populations. Epilithic, predominantly in clean running waters: rivulets, streams, brooks and springs.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Valley of Struma River (village Nevestino), Rhodopi Mts (Western – town of Belovo), Strandzha Mts (village Brodilovo).
General distribution. C and S Europe.
Threats. Habitat destruction through capturing of the springs, anthropogenic pollution and correction of river beds and direct collecting by fishermen, tourists, etc.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the “Red List of Bulgarian algae. I. Macroalgae”.
Conservation measures needed. Measures to decrease anthropogenic pollution of the rivers; environmental education of the population.
References. Petkoff 1904, 1908/1909, 1929a, b, 1942, 1950; Vodenicharov et al. 1986, 1993; Vodeničarov et al. 1991; Draganov & Stoyneva 1994; Temniskova et al. 2005; Temniskova & Kirjakov 2006; Temniskova et al. 2008; Kirjakov & Temniskova in press.
Authors: Maya Stoyneva, Dobrina Temniskova & Plamen Ivanov
