Girgensohn's Sphagnum
VU

Girgensohn's Sphagnum

Sphagnum girgensohnii

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphagnum_girgensohnii

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Girgensohn's Sphagnum faces significant pressure from peat bog drainage and commercial peat extraction, which destroys the waterlogged acidic conditions essential for its survival. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that can dry out bog ecosystems. Habitat fragmentation from agricultural expansion and forestry activities further isolates remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and resilience.

Threat summary

Habitat

This moss species inhabits acidic peat bogs, fens, and other Sphagnum-dominated wetlands across boreal and temperate regions. It requires consistently waterlogged, nutrient-poor conditions with low pH levels typical of pristine bog ecosystems.

Other threatened species in Sphagnaceae

Russow's SphagnumVU

Russow's Sphagnum

Sphagnum russowii

Unknown
Slender Cow-horn Bog-mossVU

Slender Cow-horn Bog-moss

Sphagnum subsecundum

Unknown
Red PeatmossVU

Red Peatmoss

Sphagnum rubellum

Unknown
VU

Sphagnum rotundatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Girgensohn's Sphagnum classified as Vulnerable?
Girgensohn's Sphagnum 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. Girgensohn's Sphagnum faces significant pressure from peat bog drainage and commercial peat extraction, which destroys the waterlogged acidic conditions essential for its survival. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that can dry out bog ecosystems. Habitat fragmentation from agricultural expansion and forestry activities further isolates remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and resilience.
Where does Girgensohn's Sphagnum live?
Girgensohn's Sphagnum 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 Girgensohn's Sphagnum?
The main threats to Girgensohn's Sphagnum 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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