Atlantic Pawwort
Orthocaulis atlanticus
Atlantic Pawwort (Orthocaulis atlanticus) is a small, delicate liverwort species characterized by its distinctive lobed leaves and creeping growth habit along rocky coastal substrates. This bryophyte forms thin, green to brownish mats that play a crucial role in stabilizing soil and providing microhabitat for invertebrates in harsh maritime environments.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Helen Waterman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Helen Waterman
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Marchantiophyta
Class
Jungermanniopsida
Order
Jungermanniales
Family
Anastrophyllaceae
Genus
Orthocaulis
Atlantic Pawwort belongs to the family Anastrophyllaceae, order Jungermanniales, within the Jungermanniopsida class.
Species Profile
Atlantic Pawwort (Orthocaulis atlanticus) is a small, delicate liverwort species characterized by its distinctive lobed leaves and creeping growth habit along rocky coastal substrates. This bryophyte forms thin, green to brownish mats that play a crucial role in stabilizing soil and providing microhabitat for invertebrates in harsh maritime environments.
Atlantic Pawwort faces significant threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change impacts on its specialized oceanic island environments. The species' restricted range and small population sizes make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance in its native Atlantic island habitats.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Atlantic Pawwort occupies moist, shaded rock crevices, cliff faces, and bryophyte-rich communities on oceanic islands in the North Atlantic. The species typically grows in areas with high humidity and consistent moisture, often in association with other specialized Atlantic bryophyte communities.
Threats
Climate change and sea level rise
Habitat loss from coastal development
Invasive plant species competition
Limited dispersal ability between fragmented populations
Tourism and recreational pressure
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Atlantic Pawwort (Orthocaulis atlanticus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/atlantic-pawwort