VU

Tassel Stonewort

Tolypella intricata

Unknown

Overview

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

Tassel Stonewort faces severe decline due to eutrophication of freshwater habitats from agricultural runoff and urban development, which increases nutrient levels beyond the species' tolerance. Water pollution from industrial discharge and sewage treatment facilities further degrades water quality in the shallow, calcium-rich waters this charophyte requires. Habitat destruction through wetland drainage and water extraction for irrigation has eliminated many historical populations across its European range.

Threat summary

Habitat

Tassel Stonewort inhabits shallow, calcium-rich freshwater environments including ponds, lakes, ditches, and slow-flowing streams with clear, alkaline water. The species requires nutrient-poor to moderately nutrient-rich waters with stable water levels and minimal disturbance.

Other threatened species in Characeae

Chara filiformisCR

Chara filiformis

Unknown
Starry StonewortVU

Starry Stonewort

Nitellopsis obtusa

Unknown
Pointed StonewortVU

Pointed Stonewort

Nitella mucronata

Unknown
Slender StonewortVU

Slender Stonewort

Nitella gracilis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Tassel Stonewort classified as Vulnerable?
Tassel Stonewort 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. Tassel Stonewort faces severe decline due to eutrophication of freshwater habitats from agricultural runoff and urban development, which increases nutrient levels beyond the species' tolerance. Water pollution from industrial discharge and sewage treatment facilities further degrades water quality in the shallow, calcium-rich waters this charophyte requires. Habitat destruction through wetland drainage and water extraction for irrigation has eliminated many historical populations across its European range.
Where does Tassel Stonewort live?
Tassel Stonewort 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 Tassel Stonewort?
The main threats to Tassel Stonewort 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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