Eleocharis minarum

This species has been found within wetlands and damp habitats in Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. Within each of these countries this species faces the main threat of habitat destruction from the expansion of agriculture and cattle ranching. The species has been reported to occur in the state of  Minas Gerais, Brazil, which forms part of the Cerrado ecoregion. This ecoregion has undergone a large amount of habitat conversion within the last 30 years with more than half of its 2 million km² area being converted into pasture and cash-crop agriculture (Klink and Machado 2005). The agriculture expansion is characterized by intensive mechanization, monoculture and high use of lime, fertilizers and pesticides (Ratter et al. 1997). The expansion of cattle ranching in this region includes the destruction of natural vegetation and the replacement by pastures sown using imported grasses. Invasive species have the potential to compete with this species or to change the ecology of its habitat The high use of fertilizers and lime are polluting streams and rivers (Klink and Machado 2005) with potentially negative impacts on this species. This species has also been reported to occur within the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is not part of the Cerrado ecoregion. Gil and Petean (2007) reported that waterways within this area were under threat from intensified tourism and land speculation, and some indifference towards native vegetation was increasing the risks to native flora of this area. This species has been found in wet meadows in Paraguay which may be threatened by intensification of agricultural practices. This species also occurs in Bolivia within the state of La Paz. The wetlands of this area have been reported to be facing threats from land conversion through drainage and burning, which are methods used to clear the land for agriculture and cattle ranching (Aguirre 2000). While the entry of pollutants into the water table from human settlements and tin mines are also a potential threat to aquatic species (Flores 1986). Direct studies of the effects of such threats on this species have not been carried out, although it is known that optimal lighting conditions and water resources are preferred by this genus (Gil and Petean 2007).

This species is currently not known to be protected by international agreements or national legislation nor are there any conservation actions or programs aimed directly at the conservation of this species. There are a range of small protected areas that cover the wetlands of Bolivia but the majority are unprotected (Flores 1986). There has been response to environmental destruction in the wetlands in Paraguay, for example, the formation of the Union of Ñeembuca Civic Organisation (UOCN), in an area of wetlands that are potentially suitable for this species. The UOCN have been holding public meetings and lobbying government to make these wetlands protected areas and prevent damage from spreading intensive agriculture (Torres 2011). Within the Brazilian Cerrado conservation efforts from local NGOs (Rede Cerrado) combined with those of large international NGOs (Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy and the World Wide Fund for Nature) have been aimed towards the expansion of protected areas and promotion of alternative economic activities and support of sustainable local livelihoods (Klink and Machado 2005). This species has a very large distribution reported from a few localities. More research needs be carried out on the distribution and demographics of this species to see if the populations are directly threatened and to understand the vulnerability and viability of this species. The creation of further protected areas in wetlands would benefit this species. Further taxonomic research is also needed as its species delineation is reported to be based on immature specimens and Menapace (1993) questions its authenticity although it is accepted by Govaerts and Simpson (2007). It is recommended that, if possible, seeds are stored as part of ex situ conservation measures.