saltmarsh flat-sedge
VU

saltmarsh flat-sedge

Blysmus rufus

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Saltmarsh flat-sedge faces severe decline due to coastal development and infrastructure projects that directly destroy its specialized saltmarsh habitat. Sea-level rise and increased storm intensity associated with climate change threaten to inundate remaining populations, while altered hydrology from coastal engineering disrupts the precise salinity gradients this species requires. Agricultural conversion of coastal wetlands and recreational pressure in accessible saltmarsh areas further fragment already limited suitable habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

Saltmarsh flat-sedge is restricted to coastal saltmarshes and brackish wetlands, typically growing in the upper marsh zones where it tolerates periodic saltwater inundation. The species requires specific salinity gradients and hydrological conditions found in these transitional coastal ecosystems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Cyperaceae

Round-headed Club-rushCR

Round-headed Club-rush

Scirpoides holoschoenus

Unknown
Tawny SedgeCR

Tawny Sedge

Carex hostiana

Unknown
Two-stamen SedgeCR

Two-stamen Sedge

Carex diandra

Unknown
Flat-sedgeVU

Flat-sedge

Blysmus compressus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is saltmarsh flat-sedge classified as Vulnerable?
saltmarsh flat-sedge 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. Saltmarsh flat-sedge faces severe decline due to coastal development and infrastructure projects that directly destroy its specialized saltmarsh habitat. Sea-level rise and increased storm intensity associated with climate change threaten to inundate remaining populations, while altered hydrology from coastal engineering disrupts the precise salinity gradients this species requires. Agricultural conversion of coastal wetlands and recreational pressure in accessible saltmarsh areas further fragment already limited suitable habitat.
Where does saltmarsh flat-sedge live?
saltmarsh flat-sedge 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 saltmarsh flat-sedge?
The main threats to saltmarsh flat-sedge 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.