Small Scabious
EN

Small Scabious

Scabiosa columbaria

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Small Scabious faces severe decline primarily due to agricultural intensification and the loss of traditional chalk grassland management practices. Modern farming methods have eliminated many of the species-rich calcareous grasslands where this plant historically thrived. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites. The abandonment of traditional grazing regimes has led to scrubland encroachment, shading out this light-demanding species.

Threat summary

Habitat

Small Scabious is restricted to species-rich calcareous grasslands, particularly chalk downs and limestone pavements with thin, well-drained soils. The species requires open, sunny conditions with low-intensity grazing or mowing to prevent competitive exclusion by taller grasses and scrub vegetation.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Small Scabious classified as Endangered?
Small Scabious 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. Small Scabious faces severe decline primarily due to agricultural intensification and the loss of traditional chalk grassland management practices. Modern farming methods have eliminated many of the species-rich calcareous grasslands where this plant historically thrived. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites. The abandonment of traditional grazing regimes has led to scrubland encroachment, shading out this light-demanding species.
Where does Small Scabious live?
Small Scabious 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 Small Scabious?
The main threats to Small Scabious 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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