CR

Cyperus chionocephalus

Unknown

Overview

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

Cyperus chionocephalus faces severe threats from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Madagascar. The species' specialized wetland habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to drainage and conversion of marshlands for rice cultivation. Invasive plant species are increasingly competing with native sedge communities, while climate change threatens to alter the hydrological patterns essential for this species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered sedge is endemic to Madagascar's freshwater wetlands, particularly shallow marshes and seasonal pools in lowland areas. It requires specific hydrological conditions with periodic flooding and drying cycles typical of Madagascar's tropical wetland ecosystems.

Savanna· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· majorWetlands (inland) - Seasonal rivers/streams· major

Other threatened species in CYPERACEAE

Carex lapazensisCR

Carex lapazensis

Unknown
EN

Bulbostylis nemoides

Unknown
VU

Costularia baronii

Declining
VU

Costularia robusta

Declining

Threatened in Ethiopia

EN

Black-fronted Spurfowl

Pternistis atrifrons

Declining
EN

Isoglossa congesta

Unknown
VU

Ethiopian Hawker

Pinheyschna waterstoni

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cyperus chionocephalus classified as Critically Endangered?
Cyperus chionocephalus 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. Cyperus chionocephalus faces severe threats from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Madagascar. The species' specialized wetland habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to drainage and conversion of marshlands for rice cultivation. Invasive plant species are increasingly competing with native sedge communities, while climate change threatens to alter the hydrological patterns essential for this species' survival.
Where does Cyperus chionocephalus live?
Cyperus chionocephalus occurs in Ethiopia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cyperus chionocephalus?
The main threats to Cyperus chionocephalus are 2.1, 2.3, 5.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.