Beric Beard-moss
VU

Beric Beard-moss

Leptobarbula berica

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: iNaturalist: никакие права не защищены, загрузил Jonathan Hughes

Overview

Beric Beard-moss (Leptobarbula berica) is a small acrocarpous moss species characterized by its distinctive beard-like peristome teeth and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that form compact cushions. This bryophyte plays a crucial ecological role in soil stabilization and moisture retention in its specialized habitats, while providing microhabitat for invertebrates and contributing to nutrient cycling in fragile ecosystems.

Beric Beard-moss faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss due to urbanization and agricultural expansion in its limited range. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature increases that affect the specific moisture conditions this moss requires. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

This moss species typically grows on calcareous rocks, walls, and soil in Mediterranean scrubland and dry grassland environments. It favors semi-arid habitats with specific moisture and pH conditions, often found on limestone substrates in areas with seasonal rainfall patterns.

Other threatened species in Pottiaceae

VU

Rufous Beard-moss

Bryoerythrophyllum ferruginascens

Unknown
Heim's PottiaVU

Heim's Pottia

Hennediella heimii

Unknown
VU

Yellow Crisp-moss

Tortella flavovirens

Unknown
VU

Whorled Tufa-moss

Eucladium verticillatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Beric Beard-moss classified as Vulnerable?
Beric Beard-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. Beric Beard-moss faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss due to urbanization and agricultural expansion in its limited range. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature increases that affect the specific moisture conditions this moss requires. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes.
Where does Beric Beard-moss live?
Beric Beard-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 Beric Beard-moss?
The main threats to Beric Beard-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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