Green Spleenwort
VU

Green Spleenwort

Asplenium viride

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

Green Spleenwort faces significant pressure from climate change as warming temperatures push suitable habitat to higher elevations, fragmenting already isolated populations. Recreational activities including rock climbing and hiking cause direct trampling damage to the delicate fronds and disturb the specialized limestone substrates where colonies establish. Quarrying operations and limestone extraction have eliminated entire populations by destroying the specific geological formations this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

Green Spleenwort grows exclusively in crevices and ledges of limestone cliffs, scree slopes, and rocky outcrops in mountainous regions, typically at elevations between 300-2,400 meters. The species requires specific alkaline conditions and cool, humid microclimates found in north-facing rock faces and shaded limestone pavements.

Other threatened species in Aspleniaceae

VU

ladder spleenwort

Asplenium adulterinum

Unknown
CR

Asplenium veneticolor

Unknown
CR

Asplenium alatum

Unknown
CR

Hymenasplenium delitescens

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Green Spleenwort classified as Vulnerable?
Green Spleenwort 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. Green Spleenwort faces significant pressure from climate change as warming temperatures push suitable habitat to higher elevations, fragmenting already isolated populations. Recreational activities including rock climbing and hiking cause direct trampling damage to the delicate fronds and disturb the specialized limestone substrates where colonies establish. Quarrying operations and limestone extraction have eliminated entire populations by destroying the specific geological formations this species requires.
Where does Green Spleenwort live?
Green Spleenwort 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 Green Spleenwort?
The main threats to Green Spleenwort 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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