Wide-leaf low sedge
VU

Wide-leaf low sedge

Carex pediformis

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Wide-leaf low sedge faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and intensive grazing, which degrades the specialized grassland and steppe habitats it requires. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency, affecting the moisture regimes essential for this sedge's survival. Habitat fragmentation from infrastructure development further isolates remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural dispersal.

Threat summary

Habitat

Wide-leaf low sedge inhabits dry grasslands, steppes, and prairie margins across temperate regions, typically growing in well-drained soils with moderate moisture levels. It favors open habitats with minimal tree cover and is often found in association with other native grasses and forbs in natural grassland ecosystems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Wide-leaf low sedge classified as Vulnerable?
Wide-leaf low 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. Wide-leaf low sedge faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and intensive grazing, which degrades the specialized grassland and steppe habitats it requires. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency, affecting the moisture regimes essential for this sedge's survival. Habitat fragmentation from infrastructure development further isolates remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural dispersal.
Where does Wide-leaf low sedge live?
Wide-leaf low 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 Wide-leaf low sedge?
The main threats to Wide-leaf low 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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