Russian Heath
VU

Russian Heath

Coenonympha leander

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

The Russian Heath faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited European range. Overgrazing by livestock has significantly altered the structure of its preferred grassland habitats, reducing the availability of suitable host plants and nectar sources. Climate change poses an additional threat by shifting temperature and precipitation patterns that affect the timing of its flight period and the phenology of its host plants.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Russian Heath inhabits dry, flower-rich grasslands, meadows, and steppe environments across eastern and southeastern Europe. It requires areas with specific grass species that serve as larval host plants, particularly in regions with continental climate conditions.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Russian Heath classified as Vulnerable?
Russian Heath 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. The Russian Heath faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited European range. Overgrazing by livestock has significantly altered the structure of its preferred grassland habitats, reducing the availability of suitable host plants and nectar sources. Climate change poses an additional threat by shifting temperature and precipitation patterns that affect the timing of its flight period and the phenology of its host plants.
Where does Russian Heath live?
Russian Heath occurs in Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Bulgaria (plus 16 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 Russian Heath?
The main threats to Russian Heath 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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