Translucent Stonewort
VU

Translucent Stonewort

Nitella translucens

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Translucent Stonewort faces severe decline due to eutrophication of freshwater systems, which increases nutrient levels and promotes algal blooms that outcompete this delicate charophyte. Agricultural runoff containing nitrogen and phosphorus compounds has degraded water quality across much of its range. Habitat destruction through wetland drainage and water body modification has eliminated numerous historical populations, while climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns threaten the stable water levels this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

Translucent Stonewort inhabits shallow, clear freshwater environments including ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and temporary pools with sandy or muddy substrates. This charophyte requires nutrient-poor to moderately nutrient-rich waters with stable pH 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

Threatened in Argentina

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
CR

Phlebopus bruchii

Declining
CR

Trichomycterus ramosus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Translucent Stonewort classified as Vulnerable?
Translucent 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. Translucent Stonewort faces severe decline due to eutrophication of freshwater systems, which increases nutrient levels and promotes algal blooms that outcompete this delicate charophyte. Agricultural runoff containing nitrogen and phosphorus compounds has degraded water quality across much of its range. Habitat destruction through wetland drainage and water body modification has eliminated numerous historical populations, while climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns threaten the stable water levels this species requires.
Where does Translucent Stonewort live?
Translucent Stonewort occurs in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, and Canada (plus 27 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Translucent Stonewort?
The main threats to Translucent 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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