EN

Cirsium zarkosii

Unknown

Overview

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

Cirsium zarkosii faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in its limited mountain range. Urban development and infrastructure projects have further fragmented its already restricted populations. Climate change poses an additional risk by altering the specific alpine conditions this endemic thistle requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic thistle occupies alpine and subalpine meadows in mountainous regions, typically growing in well-drained soils at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. It favors open grasslands and rocky slopes with specific soil chemistry and moisture conditions.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in ASTERACEAE

EN

Bidens cosmoides

Declining
VU

Piptolepis monticola

Unknown
Libanothamnus parvulusCR

Libanothamnus parvulus

Declining
EN

Gynoxys neovelutina

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cirsium zarkosii classified as Endangered?
Cirsium zarkosii is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Cirsium zarkosii faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in its limited mountain range. Urban development and infrastructure projects have further fragmented its already restricted populations. Climate change poses an additional risk by altering the specific alpine conditions this endemic thistle requires for survival.
Where does Cirsium zarkosii live?
Cirsium zarkosii 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 Cirsium zarkosii?
The main threats to Cirsium zarkosii 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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