Alpine Water-moss
VU

Alpine Water-moss

Fontinalis squamosa

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Jenn Wren, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jenn Wren

Overview

Alpine Water-moss (Fontinalis squamosa) is an aquatic bryophyte that forms dense, dark green to brownish cushions in cold mountain streams and lakes. This moss species plays a crucial ecological role by providing habitat for aquatic invertebrates, stabilizing stream substrates, and contributing to nutrient cycling in alpine freshwater ecosystems.

Alpine Water-moss faces significant threats from climate change, as warming temperatures and altered precipitation patterns degrade its specialized cold-water habitats in mountain streams and springs. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further compromises water quality in its limited range, while habitat fragmentation isolates populations and reduces genetic diversity.

Threat summary

Habitat

Cold, fast-flowing mountain streams, springs, and waterfalls in alpine and subalpine regions, typically at elevations above 1000m. The species requires clean, well-oxygenated water with stable temperatures and grows attached to rocks and boulders in these pristine aquatic environments.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Fontinalaceae

Willow MossVU

Willow Moss

Fontinalis antipyretica

Unknown
VU

Slender Water Moss

Fontinalis dalecarlica

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Alpine Water-moss classified as Vulnerable?
Alpine Water-moss 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. Alpine Water-moss faces significant threats from climate change, as warming temperatures and altered precipitation patterns degrade its specialized cold-water habitats in mountain streams and springs. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further compromises water quality in its limited range, while habitat fragmentation isolates populations and reduces genetic diversity.
Where does Alpine Water-moss live?
Alpine Water-moss 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 Alpine Water-moss?
The main threats to Alpine Water-moss 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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