VU

Carex rainbowii

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Carex rainbowii faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in its limited montane habitat range. Urban development and infrastructure projects in mountainous regions have fragmented remaining populations, while climate change threatens to shift suitable habitat zones to higher elevations where suitable terrain may be unavailable.

Threat summary

Habitat

This sedge species inhabits montane grasslands and alpine meadows, typically occurring in moist, well-drained soils at elevations between 1,500-3,000 meters. It favors open areas with seasonal moisture availability and is often found in association with other specialized high-altitude plant communities.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

Other threatened species in CYPERACEAE

Carex lapazensisCR

Carex lapazensis

Unknown
EN

Bulbostylis nemoides

Unknown
VU

Costularia baronii

Declining
VU

Costularia robusta

Declining

Threatened in South Africa

VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

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EN

Black-Spotted Blue

Orachrysops mijburghi

Unknown
Cape GannetEN

Cape Gannet

Morus capensis

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Carex rainbowii classified as Vulnerable?
Carex rainbowii 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. Carex rainbowii faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in its limited montane habitat range. Urban development and infrastructure projects in mountainous regions have fragmented remaining populations, while climate change threatens to shift suitable habitat zones to higher elevations where suitable terrain may be unavailable.
Where does Carex rainbowii live?
Carex rainbowii occurs in South Africa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Carex rainbowii?
The main threats to Carex rainbowii 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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