Bog Apple-moss
VU

Bog Apple-moss

Philonotis marchica

UnknownENEUENEU

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Alex Graeff, all rights reserved, uploaded by Alex Graeff

Overview

Bog Apple-moss (Philonotis marchica) is a distinctive bryophyte species characterized by its apple-green coloration and compact, cushion-like growth form. This moss plays a crucial ecological role in wetland ecosystems by helping to stabilize soil, retain moisture, and provide microhabitat for invertebrates and other small organisms.

Bog Apple-moss faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to drainage of wetlands, peat extraction, and agricultural conversion of bog ecosystems. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature increases that can dry out the specialized wetland habitats this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

Bog Apple-moss occurs in acidic wetland environments including sphagnum bogs, fens, wet heathlands, and marshy areas with consistently moist, nutrient-poor soils. The species typically grows in open to semi-shaded conditions in these specialized bog ecosystems.

Other threatened species in Bartramiaceae

Thick-nerved Apple-mossVU

Thick-nerved Apple-moss

Philonotis calcarea

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Bog Apple-moss classified as Vulnerable?
Bog Apple-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. Bog Apple-moss faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to drainage of wetlands, peat extraction, and agricultural conversion of bog ecosystems. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature increases that can dry out the specialized wetland habitats this species requires.
Where does Bog Apple-moss live?
Bog Apple-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 Bog Apple-moss?
The main threats to Bog Apple-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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