Ophioglossum vulgatum
VU

Ophioglossum vulgatum

Local name: Southern Adder’s Tongue

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

The Southern Adder's Tongue faces severe population declines primarily due to agricultural intensification and grassland conversion, which destroys the specific soil conditions and mycorrhizal relationships this species requires. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural dispersal. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to eliminate suitable sites, while changes in grazing patterns and land management practices alter the delicate ecological balance needed for successful reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

Southern Adder's Tongue inhabits nutrient-poor grasslands, chalk downs, and limestone pavements, typically in areas with short turf and minimal soil disturbance. The species requires specific mycorrhizal fungal associations and thrives in traditional pastures, old meadows, and calcareous soils with consistent moisture levels.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Ophioglossaceae

Little MoonwortEN

Little Moonwort

Botrychium simplex

Unknown
northern moonwortVU

northern moonwort

Botrychium boreale

Unknown
Unshoe-the-horseEN

Unshoe-the-horse

Botrychium lunaria

Unknown
Small Adder's-tongueCR

Small Adder's-tongue

Ophioglossum azoricum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Southern Adder’s Tongue classified as Vulnerable?
Southern Adder’s Tongue 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 Southern Adder's Tongue faces severe population declines primarily due to agricultural intensification and grassland conversion, which destroys the specific soil conditions and mycorrhizal relationships this species requires. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural dispersal. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to eliminate suitable sites, while changes in grazing patterns and land management practices alter the delicate ecological balance needed for successful reproduction.
Where does Southern Adder’s Tongue live?
Southern Adder’s Tongue 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 Southern Adder’s Tongue?
The main threats to Southern Adder’s Tongue 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.