CR

Eleocharis lepta

Unknown

Overview

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

Eleocharis lepta faces severe threats from wetland drainage and agricultural conversion throughout its limited range. Urban development and water diversion projects have eliminated many of the seasonal pools and marshy areas essential for this sedge's survival. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns further threaten the delicate hydrological conditions this species requires for reproduction and establishment.

Threat summary

Habitat

Eleocharis lepta inhabits seasonal wetlands, shallow marshes, and temporary pools with fluctuating water levels. This sedge typically grows in muddy or sandy substrates along the margins of ponds, ditches, and other freshwater wetland systems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in CYPERACEAE

EN

Bulbostylis bodardii

Unknown
EN

Hypolytrum cacuminum

Declining
EN

Cyperus felicis

Declining
VU

Nemum bulbostyloides

Declining

Threatened in South Africa

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Black-Spotted Blue

Orachrysops mijburghi

Unknown
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
EN

Wager's Bush Squeaker

Arthroleptis wageri

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Eleocharis lepta classified as Critically Endangered?
Eleocharis lepta 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. Eleocharis lepta faces severe threats from wetland drainage and agricultural conversion throughout its limited range. Urban development and water diversion projects have eliminated many of the seasonal pools and marshy areas essential for this sedge's survival. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns further threaten the delicate hydrological conditions this species requires for reproduction and establishment.
Where does Eleocharis lepta live?
Eleocharis lepta 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 Eleocharis lepta?
The main threats to Eleocharis lepta are 1.1, 5.3, ai-1, and ai-2. 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.