Golden Webcap
Cortinarius humicola
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Golden Webcap faces severe pressure from habitat degradation in its specialized old-growth forest ecosystems, where logging and forest fragmentation have reduced suitable mycorrhizal partnerships with ancient tree hosts. Climate change compounds these threats by altering soil moisture regimes and temperature patterns critical for fruiting body development, while increased recreational activities in remaining forest fragments lead to soil compaction and disturbance of the delicate fungal networks.
Habitat
The Golden Webcap is restricted to mature coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those with well-established mycorrhizal relationships with spruce, fir, and pine species. It requires undisturbed forest floors with deep organic soil layers and stable moisture conditions typical of old-growth ecosystems.
Other threatened species in Cortinariaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Golden Webcap classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Golden Webcap live?
What are the main threats to Golden Webcap?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.