Slender Cottonsedge
EN

Slender Cottonsedge

Eriophorum gracile

UnknownNTEUNTEU

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

Overview

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

Slender Cottonsedge faces severe decline due to widespread drainage and conversion of its specialized wetland habitats for agriculture and development. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperatures, which disrupts the delicate hydrology of peat bogs and fens essential for the species' survival. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites.

Threat summary

Habitat

Slender Cottonsedge inhabits acidic peat bogs, calcareous fens, and wet meadows across northern temperate regions, requiring consistently waterlogged soils with specific pH conditions. The species thrives in open, nutrient-poor wetlands where competition from other vegetation is limited by the harsh growing conditions.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Slender Cottonsedge classified as Endangered?
Slender Cottonsedge 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. Slender Cottonsedge faces severe decline due to widespread drainage and conversion of its specialized wetland habitats for agriculture and development. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperatures, which disrupts the delicate hydrology of peat bogs and fens essential for the species' survival. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites.
Where does Slender Cottonsedge live?
Slender Cottonsedge 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 Slender Cottonsedge?
The main threats to Slender Cottonsedge 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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