Lesser Meadow-rue
VU

Lesser Meadow-rue

Thalictrum minus

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Lesser Meadow-rue faces significant pressure from agricultural intensification and grassland conversion, which has eliminated much of its traditional calcareous grassland habitat. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to fragment remaining populations, while changes in grazing patterns have altered the open, low-competition environments this species requires. Climate change poses additional stress through altered precipitation patterns affecting the moisture-sensitive root systems.

Threat summary

Habitat

Lesser Meadow-rue inhabits calcareous grasslands, chalk downs, limestone pavements, and rocky slopes, typically in areas with well-drained alkaline soils. The species thrives in open, unshaded environments with low vegetation competition, often found in traditional pastures and meadows maintained by extensive grazing.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Lesser Meadow-rue classified as Vulnerable?
Lesser Meadow-rue 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. Lesser Meadow-rue faces significant pressure from agricultural intensification and grassland conversion, which has eliminated much of its traditional calcareous grassland habitat. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to fragment remaining populations, while changes in grazing patterns have altered the open, low-competition environments this species requires. Climate change poses additional stress through altered precipitation patterns affecting the moisture-sensitive root systems.
Where does Lesser Meadow-rue live?
Lesser Meadow-rue 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 Lesser Meadow-rue?
The main threats to Lesser Meadow-rue 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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