Casey's larkspur (Delphinium caseyi) is one of the most endangered plants of the Mediterranean region, until recently represented by less than 100 flowering plants in two disjunct populations on Kyrenia mountain range in Cyprus. A third and smallest population was recently identified as part of conservation efforts, however, this critically endangered perennial still has an extremely restricted area of occupation (less than 3000 square metres) and is subject to severe threat by grazing feral goats. The current project aims to:

1) To protect a larger proportion of the area of occupancy (in situ) from grazing feral goats (the main culprit for their decline) via FENCING. Fencing proved to be effective in implemented areas, however unprotected individuals still suffer badly, with grazing rates being as high as 98% in 2024.

2) To provide TRAINING to the project team on steps required to ensure the resilience and continuity of the species, such as establishing the genetic differences among the populations and designing conservation strategies accordingly.

3) To provide financial resources for (ex situ) LAB WORK required for the characterization of the populations to ensure the resilience and continuity of the species. Establishing the genetic differences among the populations will guide future conservation efforts (such as establishing populations in different areas to increase the area of occupancy and reduce the impacts of stochasticity) accordingly.