MEPI
EN

MEPI

Anthus pratensis

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

The meadow pipit has experienced severe population declines across its European range, with losses exceeding 50% in many countries since the 1980s. Agricultural intensification has eliminated traditional mixed farming systems that provided optimal breeding habitat, while increased pesticide use has reduced the invertebrate prey essential for feeding chicks. Climate change is shifting suitable habitat northward and upward in elevation, compressing the species' available range.

Threat summary

Habitat

Meadow pipits inhabit open grasslands, moorlands, rough pastures, and upland areas with short to medium-height vegetation. They prefer traditional extensively managed agricultural landscapes with mixed grazing and hay meadows that provide both nesting sites and abundant invertebrate food sources.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Motacillidae

Red-throated PipitVU

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

Unknown
GRWAVU

GRWA

Motacilla cinerea

Unknown
Tawny PipitEN

Tawny Pipit

Anthus campestris

Unknown
Eurasian Rock PipitEN

Eurasian Rock Pipit

Anthus petrosus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is MEPI classified as Endangered?
MEPI 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. The meadow pipit has experienced severe population declines across its European range, with losses exceeding 50% in many countries since the 1980s. Agricultural intensification has eliminated traditional mixed farming systems that provided optimal breeding habitat, while increased pesticide use has reduced the invertebrate prey essential for feeding chicks. Climate change is shifting suitable habitat northward and upward in elevation, compressing the species' available range.
Where does MEPI live?
MEPI 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 MEPI?
The main threats to MEPI 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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