CRCritically Endangered

Taraxacum subalpinum

Unknown

Photo: Photo: (c) Radim Paulič, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Radim Paulič

Overview

Taraxacum subalpinum is a specialized dandelion species endemic to subalpine regions, distinguished by its compact rosette of deeply lobed leaves and smaller yellow flower heads compared to common dandelions. This perennial herb plays a crucial role in high-altitude ecosystems, providing early-season nectar for alpine pollinators and serving as a food source for specialized herbivores adapted to harsh mountain conditions.

Taraxacum subalpinum faces severe threats primarily from habitat loss and degradation in its restricted alpine and subalpine environments. Climate change poses an additional significant risk by altering the specialized mountain ecosystems this species depends on, while human activities such as infrastructure development and recreational use further fragment its limited habitat.
Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits rocky meadows, scree slopes, and alpine grasslands typically found between 1,500-2,800 meters elevation. It thrives in well-drained, nutrient-poor soils with high UV exposure and significant temperature fluctuations characteristic of subalpine zones.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Asteraceae

Lamb's Succory

Arnoseris minima

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Taraxacum subalpinum classified as Critically Endangered?

Taraxacum subalpinum 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. Taraxacum subalpinum faces severe threats primarily from habitat loss and degradation in its restricted alpine and subalpine environments. Climate change poses an additional significant risk by altering the specialized mountain ecosystems this species depends on, while human activities such as infrastructure development and recreational use further fragment its limited habitat.

Where does Taraxacum subalpinum live?

Taraxacum subalpinum 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 Taraxacum subalpinum?

The main threats to Taraxacum subalpinum 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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