Lesser Saltmarsh Sedge
VU

Lesser Saltmarsh Sedge

Carex glareosa

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Lesser Saltmarsh Sedge faces severe habitat loss from coastal development and sea-level rise, which directly destroys its specialized saltmarsh environments. Agricultural conversion and drainage of coastal wetlands have eliminated many historical populations, while increased storm intensity and frequency associated with climate change threaten remaining fragmented habitats through erosion and altered salinity regimes.

Threat summary

Habitat

Lesser Saltmarsh Sedge is restricted to coastal saltmarshes, brackish wetlands, and salt-tolerant grasslands along temperate coastlines. It typically grows in areas with periodic tidal influence or salt spray, requiring specific salinity levels and moisture conditions that characterize these specialized coastal ecosystems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Two-stamen SedgeCR

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Flat-sedgeVU

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Lesser Saltmarsh Sedge classified as Vulnerable?
Lesser Saltmarsh Sedge 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 Saltmarsh Sedge faces severe habitat loss from coastal development and sea-level rise, which directly destroys its specialized saltmarsh environments. Agricultural conversion and drainage of coastal wetlands have eliminated many historical populations, while increased storm intensity and frequency associated with climate change threaten remaining fragmented habitats through erosion and altered salinity regimes.
Where does Lesser Saltmarsh Sedge live?
Lesser Saltmarsh Sedge 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 Saltmarsh Sedge?
The main threats to Lesser Saltmarsh Sedge 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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