Ricegrass
VU

Ricegrass

Leersia oryzoides

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

Ricegrass faces significant pressure from wetland drainage and agricultural conversion, which eliminates the shallow water margins and seasonal flooding patterns essential for its reproduction. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development degrades remaining habitat quality, while invasive plant species increasingly outcompete this native grass in disturbed wetland areas. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns and flooding cycles further threaten the specific hydrological conditions this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

Ricegrass inhabits shallow freshwater wetlands, pond margins, rice fields, and seasonally flooded areas with muddy or sandy substrates. It thrives in areas with fluctuating water levels, typically growing in water depths of 10-50 cm during the growing season.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ricegrass classified as Vulnerable?
Ricegrass 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. Ricegrass faces significant pressure from wetland drainage and agricultural conversion, which eliminates the shallow water margins and seasonal flooding patterns essential for its reproduction. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development degrades remaining habitat quality, while invasive plant species increasingly outcompete this native grass in disturbed wetland areas. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns and flooding cycles further threaten the specific hydrological conditions this species requires.
Where does Ricegrass live?
Ricegrass 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 Ricegrass?
The main threats to Ricegrass 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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