Whorl-grass
VU

Whorl-grass

Catabrosa aquatica

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

Whorl-grass faces severe decline due to wetland drainage and agricultural intensification across its European range. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development degrades the shallow, nutrient-poor aquatic habitats essential for this species. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns and water levels further threaten remaining populations in already fragmented wetland systems.

Threat summary

Habitat

Whorl-grass inhabits shallow, slow-flowing or still waters including pond margins, ditches, streams, and marshy areas with nutrient-poor to moderately fertile conditions. It typically grows in water depths of 10-50 cm, often forming dense mats in clear, unpolluted aquatic environments across temperate Europe.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Whorl-grass classified as Vulnerable?
Whorl-grass 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. Whorl-grass faces severe decline due to wetland drainage and agricultural intensification across its European range. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development degrades the shallow, nutrient-poor aquatic habitats essential for this species. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns and water levels further threaten remaining populations in already fragmented wetland systems.
Where does Whorl-grass live?
Whorl-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 Whorl-grass?
The main threats to Whorl-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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