Lapland Longspur
VU

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

The Lapland Longspur faces significant population declines across its circumpolar Arctic breeding range, with climate change driving shifts in tundra vegetation that reduce suitable nesting habitat. Warming temperatures are causing shrubification of the Arctic tundra, replacing the open, low-vegetation areas this species requires for breeding. Agricultural intensification and habitat conversion in wintering areas across temperate grasslands further compound breeding season pressures, while changing precipitation patterns affect insect prey availability during the critical chick-rearing period.

Threat summary

Habitat

Breeds in open Arctic and subarctic tundra with sparse vegetation, particularly areas with sedges, grasses, and low shrubs across Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, and northern Eurasia. During winter, occupies open grasslands, prairies, agricultural fields, and coastal areas across temperate regions of North America and Eurasia.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lapland Longspur classified as Vulnerable?
Lapland Longspur 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 Lapland Longspur faces significant population declines across its circumpolar Arctic breeding range, with climate change driving shifts in tundra vegetation that reduce suitable nesting habitat. Warming temperatures are causing shrubification of the Arctic tundra, replacing the open, low-vegetation areas this species requires for breeding. Agricultural intensification and habitat conversion in wintering areas across temperate grasslands further compound breeding season pressures, while changing precipitation patterns affect insect prey availability during the critical chick-rearing period.
Where does Lapland Longspur live?
Lapland Longspur 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 Lapland Longspur?
The main threats to Lapland Longspur 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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