Eurasian Marsh Orchid
VU

Eurasian Marsh Orchid

Anacamptis palustris

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anacamptis_palustris

Overview

Anacamptis palustris is a species of orchid. It is found in Europe, North Africa and western Asia. This orchid is native to Western and Central Europe, the Mediterranean region, the Balearic Islands, Turkey, Western Asia, Algeria and Tunisia in North Africa, and Saudi Arabia.

Anacamptis palustris faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to wetland drainage, agricultural conversion, and urban development. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in hydrology and water quality in its specialized marsh habitats, while climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency.

Threat summary

Habitat

This orchid species inhabits alkaline marshes, wet meadows, fens, and calcareous wetlands, typically in areas with seasonal flooding and high water tables. It requires specific soil chemistry and moisture conditions found in nutrient-poor to moderately nutrient-rich wetland environments.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Eurasian Marsh Orchid classified as Vulnerable?
Eurasian Marsh Orchid is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Anacamptis palustris faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to wetland drainage, agricultural conversion, and urban development. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in hydrology and water quality in its specialized marsh habitats, while climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency.
Where does Eurasian Marsh Orchid live?
Eurasian Marsh Orchid occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Eurasian Marsh Orchid?
The main threats to Eurasian Marsh Orchid are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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