CR

Eriocaulon ratnagiricum

Declining

Overview

Eriocaulon ratnagiricum is a critically endangered monocotyledonous plant only recorded near Ratnagiri in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is a small annual which grows on the edges of temporary pools on lateritic plateaus.

Eriocaulon ratnagiricum faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urbanization and agricultural expansion in its limited range along the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. The species is particularly vulnerable to water table fluctuations and pollution of its specialized wetland habitats. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the region pose additional pressures on the remaining populations of this endemic pipewort.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic pipewort inhabits seasonal wetlands, marshy areas, and shallow water bodies in the lateritic plateaus of the Western Ghats. It typically grows in areas with fluctuating water levels during monsoon and post-monsoon periods.

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in ERIOCAULACEAE

VU

Paepalanthus itremensis

Unknown
CR

Eriocaulon santapaui

Declining
EN

Eriocaulon selousii

Declining
VU

Mesanthemum variabile

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Eriocaulon ratnagiricum classified as Critically Endangered?
Eriocaulon ratnagiricum 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. Eriocaulon ratnagiricum faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urbanization and agricultural expansion in its limited range along the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. The species is particularly vulnerable to water table fluctuations and pollution of its specialized wetland habitats. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the region pose additional pressures on the remaining populations of this endemic pipewort.
Where does Eriocaulon ratnagiricum live?
Eriocaulon ratnagiricum 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 Eriocaulon ratnagiricum?
The main threats to Eriocaulon ratnagiricum 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.

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