VU

Nigella stricta

Unknown

Overview

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

Nigella stricta faces severe population decline due to agricultural intensification and habitat conversion across its Mediterranean range. The species' specialized requirements for traditional farming systems and fallow fields make it particularly vulnerable to modern agricultural practices that eliminate weedy margins and uncultivated areas. Urban development and infrastructure expansion further fragment remaining suitable habitats, while climate change may alter precipitation patterns critical for this annual herb's germination and establishment.

Threat summary

Habitat

Nigella stricta inhabits Mediterranean agricultural landscapes, particularly traditional farming systems with fallow fields, field margins, and disturbed soils. The species thrives in semi-arid environments with calcareous soils and requires specific moisture conditions during its annual growing cycle.

Marine coastal/supratidal· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in RANUNCULACEAE

EN

Krapfia macropetala

Unknown
EN

Graham's Columbine

Aquilegia grahamii

Unknown
CR

Callianthemum kernerianum

Stable
VU

Krapfia haemantha

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Nigella stricta classified as Vulnerable?
Nigella stricta 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. Nigella stricta faces severe population decline due to agricultural intensification and habitat conversion across its Mediterranean range. The species' specialized requirements for traditional farming systems and fallow fields make it particularly vulnerable to modern agricultural practices that eliminate weedy margins and uncultivated areas. Urban development and infrastructure expansion further fragment remaining suitable habitats, while climate change may alter precipitation patterns critical for this annual herb's germination and establishment.
Where does Nigella stricta live?
Nigella stricta 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 Nigella stricta?
The main threats to Nigella stricta 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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