Oak-leaved Lettuce
EN

Oak-leaved Lettuce

Lactuca quercina

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

Wild Lettuce faces severe population decline primarily due to agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to land-use changes, while its limited dispersal ability restricts natural recolonization of suitable sites. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency in its already water-stressed habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

Wild Lettuce inhabits rocky slopes, limestone cliffs, and dry grasslands in Mediterranean regions, typically at elevations between 200-1,200 meters. The species shows a strong preference for calcareous soils and semi-arid environments with sparse vegetation cover.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Oak-leaved Lettuce classified as Endangered?
Oak-leaved Lettuce 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. Wild Lettuce faces severe population decline primarily due to agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to land-use changes, while its limited dispersal ability restricts natural recolonization of suitable sites. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency in its already water-stressed habitats.
Where does Oak-leaved Lettuce live?
Oak-leaved Lettuce 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 Oak-leaved Lettuce?
The main threats to Oak-leaved Lettuce 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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