Great Crested Grebe
VU

Great Crested Grebe

Podiceps cristatus

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

The Great Crested Grebe faces significant population declines across much of its range due to habitat degradation and human disturbance at breeding sites. Wetland drainage, water pollution from agricultural runoff, and recreational boating activities disrupt nesting colonies and reduce prey availability. Climate change is altering water levels and temperature regimes in critical breeding lakes, while invasive species compete for nesting sites and food resources.

Threat summary

Habitat

Great Crested Grebes inhabit large freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers with abundant emergent vegetation for nesting. They require clear water with sufficient fish populations and prefer sites with reed beds or other aquatic plants that provide cover and nesting materials.

FRESHWATER· majorMARINE· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Podicipedidae

Red-necked GrebeVU

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

Unknown
Southern Silvery GrebeVU

Southern Silvery Grebe

Podiceps occipitalis

Unknown
Black-necked GrebeVU

Black-necked Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Great Crested Grebe classified as Vulnerable?
Great Crested Grebe 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. The Great Crested Grebe faces significant population declines across much of its range due to habitat degradation and human disturbance at breeding sites. Wetland drainage, water pollution from agricultural runoff, and recreational boating activities disrupt nesting colonies and reduce prey availability. Climate change is altering water levels and temperature regimes in critical breeding lakes, while invasive species compete for nesting sites and food resources.
Where does Great Crested Grebe live?
Great Crested Grebe 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 Great Crested Grebe?
The main threats to Great Crested Grebe 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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