Madwort
EN

Madwort

Asperugo procumbens

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Madwort faces severe population declines primarily due to agricultural intensification and the loss of traditional farming practices that historically maintained its disturbed ground habitats. Modern farming techniques, including increased use of herbicides and the shift away from extensive livestock grazing, have eliminated many of the nutrient-rich, trampled soils this species requires. Urban development and habitat fragmentation have further reduced available sites, while the species' annual lifecycle makes populations particularly vulnerable to year-to-year habitat changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

Madwort typically inhabits disturbed, nutrient-rich soils in farmyards, field margins, waste ground, and areas with heavy livestock trampling. The species thrives in nitrogen-rich environments created by animal manure and requires the specific soil conditions found in traditional extensive farming systems.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Madwort classified as Endangered?
Madwort 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. Madwort faces severe population declines primarily due to agricultural intensification and the loss of traditional farming practices that historically maintained its disturbed ground habitats. Modern farming techniques, including increased use of herbicides and the shift away from extensive livestock grazing, have eliminated many of the nutrient-rich, trampled soils this species requires. Urban development and habitat fragmentation have further reduced available sites, while the species' annual lifecycle makes populations particularly vulnerable to year-to-year habitat changes.
Where does Madwort live?
Madwort 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 Madwort?
The main threats to Madwort 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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