EN

Iris lortetii

Declining

Overview

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

Iris lortetii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction due to urban expansion and agricultural development across its limited Mediterranean range. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the rocky slopes and scrubland where this endemic iris naturally occurs. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency, which directly impacts the species' specialized habitat requirements.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic iris inhabits rocky slopes, limestone outcrops, and Mediterranean scrubland at elevations between 200-1000 meters. It typically grows in well-drained, calcareous soils among sparse vegetation in semi-arid mountainous regions of the eastern Mediterranean.

Shrubland· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Iris lortetii classified as Endangered?
Iris lortetii 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. Iris lortetii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction due to urban expansion and agricultural development across its limited Mediterranean range. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the rocky slopes and scrubland where this endemic iris naturally occurs. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency, which directly impacts the species' specialized habitat requirements.
Where does Iris lortetii live?
Iris lortetii occurs in Israel, Lebanon, and Palestinian Territories. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Iris lortetii?
The main threats to Iris lortetii 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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