EN

Species code: Oc

Heterozostera chilensis

Declining

Overview

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

Heterozostera chilensis faces severe decline due to coastal development and port expansion activities that directly destroy its shallow marine habitats. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban discharge degrades water quality in the estuaries and coastal lagoons where this seagrass species grows. Climate change-induced sea level rise and increased storm intensity further threaten the stability of its intertidal and shallow subtidal environments along the Chilean coast.

Threat summary

Habitat

Heterozostera chilensis inhabits shallow marine environments including estuaries, coastal lagoons, and protected bays along the Chilean coast. This endemic seagrass species grows in sandy and muddy substrates in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, typically in areas with reduced wave action and brackish to marine water conditions.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

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Species code: Zg

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EN

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VU

Phyllospadix iwatensis

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Threatened in Chile

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Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

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Pink-footed Shearwater

Ardenna creatopus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Species code: Oc classified as Endangered?
Species code: Oc is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Heterozostera chilensis faces severe decline due to coastal development and port expansion activities that directly destroy its shallow marine habitats. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban discharge degrades water quality in the estuaries and coastal lagoons where this seagrass species grows. Climate change-induced sea level rise and increased storm intensity further threaten the stability of its intertidal and shallow subtidal environments along the Chilean coast.
Where does Species code: Oc live?
Species code: Oc occurs in Chile. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Species code: Oc?
The main threats to Species code: Oc 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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