Elongate Copper-moss
Mielichhoferia elongata
Elongate Copper-moss is a distinctive bryophyte species characterized by its elongated shoots and copper-green to reddish-brown coloration when mature. This small moss forms loose tufts or scattered patches and plays an important ecological role in stabilizing soil and providing microhabitat for invertebrates in specialized mineral-rich environments.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Bryophyta
Class
Bryopsida
Order
Bryales
Family
Mniaceae
Genus
Mielichhoferia
Elongate Copper-moss belongs to the family Mniaceae, order Bryales, within the Bryopsida class.
Species Profile
Elongate Copper-moss is a distinctive bryophyte species characterized by its elongated shoots and copper-green to reddish-brown coloration when mature. This small moss forms loose tufts or scattered patches and plays an important ecological role in stabilizing soil and providing microhabitat for invertebrates in specialized mineral-rich environments.
Elongate Copper-moss faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss of its specialized metalliferous substrates. Climate change and atmospheric pollution further compromise the unique geochemical conditions this species requires, while its extremely limited distribution makes populations highly vulnerable to local disturbances.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This specialized moss occurs exclusively on copper-rich metalliferous soils and rock outcrops, typically in mountainous regions with exposed mineral substrates. It requires specific geochemical conditions with elevated heavy metal concentrations that few other plant species can tolerate.
Threats
Extremely restricted range and small population size
Habitat loss and degradation of metalliferous sites
Mining activities and substrate disturbance
Atmospheric pollution and acid deposition
Climate change affecting microhabitat conditions
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 | VUVulnerable | VUVulnerable | Same |
| EU | VUVulnerable | VUVulnerable | Same |
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). Elongate Copper-moss (Mielichhoferia elongata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/elongate-copper-moss