Fine-leaved Sheep's-fescue
VU

Fine-leaved Sheep's-fescue

Festuca filiformis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festuca_filiformis

Overview

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

Fine-leaved Sheep's-fescue faces severe pressure from agricultural intensification and grassland conversion, which has eliminated much of its specialized calcareous grassland habitat. Overgrazing by livestock and recreational trampling further degrade remaining populations, while nitrogen deposition from agricultural runoff alters soil chemistry and favors competitive species that outcompete this delicate grass.

Threat summary

Habitat

This specialized grass occurs in short, species-rich calcareous grasslands, typically on thin soils over limestone or chalk substrates. It thrives in open, well-drained sites with low nutrient levels, often found on downland slopes, cliff tops, and ancient pastures where traditional low-intensity grazing maintains suitable conditions.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Poaceae

CR

Ekmanochloa subaphylla

Unknown
CR

Arthrostylidium distichum

Unknown
CR

Aristida fragilis

Unknown
VU

Small Sweet-grass

Glyceria declinata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Fine-leaved Sheep's-fescue classified as Vulnerable?
Fine-leaved Sheep's-fescue is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Fine-leaved Sheep's-fescue faces severe pressure from agricultural intensification and grassland conversion, which has eliminated much of its specialized calcareous grassland habitat. Overgrazing by livestock and recreational trampling further degrade remaining populations, while nitrogen deposition from agricultural runoff alters soil chemistry and favors competitive species that outcompete this delicate grass.
Where does Fine-leaved Sheep's-fescue live?
Fine-leaved Sheep's-fescue 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 Fine-leaved Sheep's-fescue?
The main threats to Fine-leaved Sheep's-fescue 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.

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.