Western Marsh-orchid
VU

Western Marsh-orchid

Dactylorhiza majalis

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

The Western Marsh-orchid faces severe decline across its European range due to widespread drainage and conversion of wetland habitats for agriculture and development. Intensive farming practices, including fertilizer application and early mowing, have degraded remaining marsh and fen ecosystems where the species depends on specific soil chemistry and hydrology. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and water table levels critical for the orchid's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Western Marsh-orchid inhabits calcareous wetlands including marshes, fens, wet meadows, and dune slacks across Europe. It requires consistently moist, alkaline soils with specific mineral content and depends on traditional low-intensity grazing or late-season mowing regimes.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Western Marsh-orchid classified as Vulnerable?
Western Marsh-orchid 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 Western Marsh-orchid faces severe decline across its European range due to widespread drainage and conversion of wetland habitats for agriculture and development. Intensive farming practices, including fertilizer application and early mowing, have degraded remaining marsh and fen ecosystems where the species depends on specific soil chemistry and hydrology. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and water table levels critical for the orchid's survival.
Where does Western Marsh-orchid live?
Western Marsh-orchid 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 Western Marsh-orchid?
The main threats to Western Marsh-orchid 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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