The plant Dianthus morisianus Vals. (Caryophyllaceae) is endemic to Sardinia. The Autonomous Region of Sardinia funded a conservation project for this species because it is one of the most threatened plant on the island. The project comprises in situ and ex situ research and experimental projects, such as the construction of protective fences and reintroduction. Juvenile plants, germinated from 200 seeds collected over 2 years and propagated without horticultural treatment, were reintroduced in November 2010. The surviving 113 plants were reintroduced 150 m from the natural population and were monitored monthly. Two years later the survival rate was > 95%, and the fruit yield per plant was higher than that recorded in the natural population. This research emphasizes the importance of identifying an appropriate microhabitat for plant reintroduction. The use of juvenile plants aided the success of the reintroduction and reduced the mortality rate; the knowledge of the species biology, in particular the critical stage of their life cycle, is a crucial factor in plant reintroduction.
