CR

Cherleria dirphya

Declining

Overview

Cherleria dirphya is a rare species of plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is endemic to Mt. Dirfi on Evvia in Greece. It is restricted to the higher peaks of this single mountain on an island with many endemic plant species. Its natural habitat is Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Cherleria dirphya faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on Mount Dirphys in Greece, making it vulnerable to any localized disturbances. Climate change poses a significant risk as warming temperatures may force this alpine specialist to higher elevations with limited suitable habitat remaining. Human activities including hiking, infrastructure development, and potential quarrying operations threaten the fragile mountain ecosystems where this endemic plant survives.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered plant is endemic to the alpine and subalpine zones of Mount Dirphys on the Greek island of Euboea. It typically grows in rocky crevices, scree slopes, and sparse grasslands at high elevations, adapted to the harsh mountain conditions with cold winters and dry summers.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservation

Other threatened species in CARYOPHYLLACEAE

Schiedea diffusaCR

Schiedea diffusa

Declining
Schiedea kaalaeCR

Schiedea kaalae

Declining
VU

Pycnophyllum spathulatum

Unknown
VU

Silene aristidis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cherleria dirphya classified as Critically Endangered?
Cherleria dirphya is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Cherleria dirphya faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on Mount Dirphys in Greece, making it vulnerable to any localized disturbances. Climate change poses a significant risk as warming temperatures may force this alpine specialist to higher elevations with limited suitable habitat remaining. Human activities including hiking, infrastructure development, and potential quarrying operations threaten the fragile mountain ecosystems where this endemic plant survives.
Where does Cherleria dirphya live?
Cherleria dirphya 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 Cherleria dirphya?
The main threats to Cherleria dirphya are 2.3, 4.1, 7.1, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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