Pearlwort Spurrey
EN

Pearlwort Spurrey

Spergula morisonii

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Pearlwort Spurrey faces severe decline due to the loss of its specialized sandy coastal habitat through coastal development and erosion. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many inland populations that historically occurred on sandy arable land. Climate change-induced sea level rise threatens remaining coastal populations, while recreational pressure and trampling damage fragile dune systems where the species persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

Pearlwort Spurrey inhabits sandy coastal dunes, sandy heathland, and historically occurred on sandy arable fields and waste ground. The species requires open, nutrient-poor sandy soils with minimal vegetation competition, typically found in maritime and inland sandy environments.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pearlwort Spurrey classified as Endangered?
Pearlwort Spurrey 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. Pearlwort Spurrey faces severe decline due to the loss of its specialized sandy coastal habitat through coastal development and erosion. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many inland populations that historically occurred on sandy arable land. Climate change-induced sea level rise threatens remaining coastal populations, while recreational pressure and trampling damage fragile dune systems where the species persists.
Where does Pearlwort Spurrey live?
Pearlwort Spurrey occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, and Czechia (plus 22 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pearlwort Spurrey?
The main threats to Pearlwort Spurrey 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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