Nivéole du Printemps

The species may be impacted in parts of its range by habitat loss such as conversion for agriculture and afforestation. In Serbia it is considered threatened by inappropriate management of old beech forests (Jovanović et al. 2009). As it has a preference for damp habitats it may also be affected by drainage activities.

It is noted be threatened by collection from the wild in parts of its range. In Romania it is reported to be mass harvested and sold in markets, particularly for spring festivals in March, leading to a gradual decrease in some local populations (Marossy 2006). In Serbia, for example, it is thought to be threatened by collection for the pharmaceutical trade (Jovanović et al. 2009).

This species is cultivated in botanic gardens and seeds have been collected and stored as part of ex situ conservation measures (Trias Blasi 2013). In Belgium, Austria and Liechtenstein this species is listed as being given protection against wild collection for trade (Lear 1998). In Germany wild populations have been specifically protected by the Federal Nature Conservation Act since 1980 (Floraweb 2012) and it has protected status within regions of France (Tela Botanica 2013).

The species is found within protected areas, and is recorded from nearly 150 Natura 2000 sites across its range (EUNIS 2014), such as Märzenbecherweisen nature reserve, where the largest occurrence of wild plants of this species in Saxony is found. It is a popular place to visit in the spring and the Saxon association for the preservation of local traditions has made efforts to protect this population since 1928 (Polentzal Tourist Information 2013). Further research is needed to establish the extent and impact of any collection from the wild. Numerical data in relation to current population status is not readily available, surveys and periodic monitoring to detect any significant declines are recommended.