Beric Beard-moss
Leptobarbula berica
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.
Photo: iNaturalist: никакие права не защищены, загрузил Jonathan Hughes
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Bryophyta
Class
Bryopsida
Order
Pottiales
Family
Pottiaceae
Genus
Leptobarbula
Beric Beard-moss belongs to the family Pottiaceae, order Pottiales, within the Bryopsida class.
Species Profile
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Habitat loss from urban development
Air pollution and atmospheric deposition
Climate change affecting moisture regimes
Trampling and recreational disturbance
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). Beric Beard-moss (Leptobarbula berica). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/beric-beard-moss