CR

Marsilea fadeniana

Unknown

Overview

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

Marsilea fadeniana faces severe threats from agricultural expansion and water diversion in its limited wetland habitats across East Africa. The species' aquatic fern populations have declined dramatically due to drainage of seasonal pools and conversion of wetlands to cropland. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by altering precipitation patterns that are critical for the species' reproductive cycle in temporary water bodies.

Threat summary

Habitat

Marsilea fadeniana inhabits seasonal wetlands, temporary pools, and shallow freshwater margins in East African grasslands and savannas. The species requires specific hydrological conditions with periodic flooding and drying cycles that support its unique aquatic fern lifecycle.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in MARSILEACEAE

VU

Marsilea schelpeana

Unknown
EN

Marsilea botryocarpa

Unknown
EN

Dwarf Pillwort

Pilularia minuta

Declining
EN

Lusitanian Water Clover

Marsilea batardae

Declining

Threatened in Kenya

VU

Panicum pinifolium

Unknown
VU

Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Black-fronted Spurfowl

Pternistis atrifrons

Declining
VU

Zanthoxylum mildbraedii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Marsilea fadeniana classified as Critically Endangered?
Marsilea fadeniana is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Marsilea fadeniana faces severe threats from agricultural expansion and water diversion in its limited wetland habitats across East Africa. The species' aquatic fern populations have declined dramatically due to drainage of seasonal pools and conversion of wetlands to cropland. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by altering precipitation patterns that are critical for the species' reproductive cycle in temporary water bodies.
Where does Marsilea fadeniana live?
Marsilea fadeniana occurs in Kenya, and United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Marsilea fadeniana?
The main threats to Marsilea fadeniana 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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