Lizard orchid  (Himantoglossum hircinum)

Species information

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Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Threats

The main threat facing this species is loss of calcareous grassland through agricultural intensification. The species is at the northern extreme of its range in the UK, and is probably restricted by cool summer temperatures (8) (11), and is predicted to spread with a warming climate (8) (12) (13). Collecting has affected this species but is no longer a threat (7) (8).

Conservation

As this species is fully protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), it is illegal to pick, uproot or destroy plants, and to sell any part of the plant, living or dead (14).

There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.
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