WOLA
VU

WOLA

Lullula arborea

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

Wood Lark populations have declined significantly across Europe due to intensive agricultural practices that eliminate the mosaic of short grassland and bare ground essential for foraging. Afforestation of heathlands and the abandonment of traditional grazing systems have reduced suitable breeding habitat, while increased recreational pressure on remaining heathland sites causes disturbance during the critical nesting period. Climate change may be shifting suitable habitat northward, potentially fragmenting already isolated populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Wood Larks inhabit open landscapes with a mosaic of short grassland, bare ground, and scattered trees or shrubs, including heathlands, forest clearings, and extensively grazed pastures. They require areas with less than 50% vegetation cover for ground foraging and elevated perches for territorial singing.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Alaudidae

Crested LarkCR

Crested Lark

Galerida cristata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is WOLA classified as Vulnerable?
WOLA 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. Wood Lark populations have declined significantly across Europe due to intensive agricultural practices that eliminate the mosaic of short grassland and bare ground essential for foraging. Afforestation of heathlands and the abandonment of traditional grazing systems have reduced suitable breeding habitat, while increased recreational pressure on remaining heathland sites causes disturbance during the critical nesting period. Climate change may be shifting suitable habitat northward, potentially fragmenting already isolated populations.
Where does WOLA live?
WOLA 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 WOLA?
The main threats to WOLA 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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