White Beak-sedge
VU

White Beak-sedge

Rhynchospora alba

Unknown

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

Overview

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

White Beaksedge faces severe decline due to widespread drainage and conversion of its specialized wetland habitats for agriculture and development. The species is particularly vulnerable to hydrological changes, as even minor alterations to water levels can eliminate suitable growing conditions. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and urban pollution degrades the nutrient-poor, acidic conditions this sedge requires, while climate change threatens to alter precipitation patterns critical for maintaining its bog and fen ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

White Beaksedge inhabits acidic, nutrient-poor wetlands including sphagnum bogs, fens, wet heathlands, and marshy areas with consistently moist to saturated soils. The species requires stable hydrology and low-nutrient conditions, typically growing in association with other specialized bog plants in both natural and semi-natural wetland systems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Cyperaceae

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Round-headed Club-rush

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Tawny SedgeCR

Tawny Sedge

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Carex pallidulaVU

Carex pallidula

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Tufted ClubrushVU

Tufted Clubrush

Trichophorum cespitosum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is White Beak-sedge classified as Vulnerable?
White Beak-sedge 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. White Beaksedge faces severe decline due to widespread drainage and conversion of its specialized wetland habitats for agriculture and development. The species is particularly vulnerable to hydrological changes, as even minor alterations to water levels can eliminate suitable growing conditions. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and urban pollution degrades the nutrient-poor, acidic conditions this sedge requires, while climate change threatens to alter precipitation patterns critical for maintaining its bog and fen ecosystems.
Where does White Beak-sedge live?
White Beak-sedge 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 White Beak-sedge?
The main threats to White Beak-sedge 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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