Grecian Grayling
VU

Grecian Grayling

Pseudochazara graeca

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

The Grecian Grayling faces severe pressure from habitat degradation caused by overgrazing, particularly by goats and sheep in its mountainous Greek habitats. Tourism development and infrastructure expansion in coastal and mountain regions have fragmented its already limited range. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures may force this cool-adapted species to retreat to higher elevations where suitable habitat becomes increasingly scarce.

Threat summary

Habitat

This butterfly inhabits rocky slopes, dry grasslands, and scrubland in mountainous regions of Greece, typically at elevations between 200-1,500 meters. It prefers areas with sparse vegetation and exposed rocky outcrops where its host plants grow.

Other threatened species in Nymphalidae

Scarce FritillaryCR

Scarce Fritillary

Euphydryas maturna

Unknown
EN

Altopedaliodes albonotata

Unknown
Two-tailed PashaVU

Two-tailed Pasha

Charaxes jasius

Unknown
False GraylingVU

False Grayling

Arethusana arethusa

Unknown

Threatened in Greece

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Barusia laconica

Unknown
EN

Dianthus desideratus

Unknown
EN

Trichoferus bergeri

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Grecian Grayling classified as Vulnerable?
Grecian Grayling 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 Grecian Grayling faces severe pressure from habitat degradation caused by overgrazing, particularly by goats and sheep in its mountainous Greek habitats. Tourism development and infrastructure expansion in coastal and mountain regions have fragmented its already limited range. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures may force this cool-adapted species to retreat to higher elevations where suitable habitat becomes increasingly scarce.
Where does Grecian Grayling live?
Grecian Grayling occurs in Greece, and Türkiye. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Grecian Grayling?
The main threats to Grecian Grayling 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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