Atlantic Pawwort
VU

Atlantic Pawwort

Orthocaulis atlanticus

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Helen Waterman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Helen Waterman

Overview

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.

Threat summary

Habitat

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.

Other threatened species in Anastrophyllaceae

Orkney NotchwortVU

Orkney Notchwort

Anastrepta orcadensis

Unknown
VU

Heller's Notchwort

Crossocalyx hellerianus

Unknown
Bearded PawwortCR

Bearded Pawwort

Barbilophozia barbata

Unknown
EN

Hatcher's Pawwort

Barbilophozia hatcheri

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Atlantic Pawwort classified as Vulnerable?
Atlantic Pawwort 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. 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.
Where does Atlantic Pawwort live?
Atlantic Pawwort 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 Atlantic Pawwort?
The main threats to Atlantic Pawwort 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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