Résumé
The last IUCN evaluation of the sandwort of Marseilles (Arenaria provincialis Chater & Hallyday) places this species in the, Rare, category according to old categories dating back from before 1994. A better knowledge about its natural history now allows us to revaluate its status. This winter therophyte, endemic to Provence, protected by national and international texts, lives in calcareous screes and rocks. After assessing its geographic area and the total number of mature individuals, none of the IUCN criteria version 3.1 (2001) is completely applicable. Nevertheless its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are limited, and many threats could have a negative effect on its habitat. Thus, we propose the new status "Near threatened" (NT), more or less equivalent to the ancient category, Rare, (R). We therefore strongly suggest a regular revaluation of it; status, increasing knowledge, experimental restoration and a global management plan to avoid a deterioration risk.