Viper's-grass
EN

Viper's-grass

Scorzonera humilis

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Viper's-grass faces severe decline across its European range due to the widespread conversion of traditional hay meadows to intensive agriculture and urban development. The species' specialized requirement for nutrient-poor, calcareous grasslands makes it particularly vulnerable to agricultural intensification and fertilizer application, which alter soil chemistry and favor competitive grasses. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites.

Threat summary

Habitat

Viper's-grass inhabits nutrient-poor, calcareous grasslands, chalk downs, and traditional hay meadows across Europe. The species requires well-drained, alkaline soils and thrives in areas maintained by extensive grazing or traditional mowing practices that prevent scrubland encroachment.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Viper's-grass classified as Endangered?
Viper's-grass 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. Viper's-grass faces severe decline across its European range due to the widespread conversion of traditional hay meadows to intensive agriculture and urban development. The species' specialized requirement for nutrient-poor, calcareous grasslands makes it particularly vulnerable to agricultural intensification and fertilizer application, which alter soil chemistry and favor competitive grasses. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites.
Where does Viper's-grass live?
Viper's-grass 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 Viper's-grass?
The main threats to Viper's-grass 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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