VU

Elongate Copper-moss

Mielichhoferia elongata

UnknownVUEUVUEU

Overview

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.

Threat summary

Habitat

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.

Other threatened species in Mniaceae

VU

Schizymenium dolichothecum

Unknown
EN

River Thyme-moss

Pseudobryum cinclidioides

Unknown
Blunt-bud Nodding MossCR

Blunt-bud Nodding Moss

Pohlia bulbifera

Unknown
Long-fruited Thread-mossCR

Long-fruited Thread-moss

Pohlia elongata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Elongate Copper-moss classified as Vulnerable?
Elongate Copper-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. 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.
Where does Elongate Copper-moss live?
Elongate Copper-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 Elongate Copper-moss?
The main threats to Elongate Copper-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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