VU

Greater Featherwort

Plagiochila asplenioides

UnknownLCEULCEU

Overview

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

Greater Featherwort faces significant pressure from habitat degradation in its preferred woodland environments, particularly through changes in forest management practices that alter the humid microclimate conditions essential for this bryophyte's survival. Air pollution, especially nitrogen deposition from agricultural and industrial sources, disrupts the delicate chemical balance of bark and rock surfaces where the species establishes. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature fluctuations that can desiccate these moisture-dependent liverwort populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Greater Featherwort typically grows on the bark of deciduous trees, particularly in humid, shaded woodlands and along stream valleys where consistent moisture levels are maintained. The species also colonizes acidic rock surfaces and occasionally soil banks in areas with stable microclimatic conditions.

Other threatened species in Plagiochilaceae

Killarney FeatherwortCR

Killarney Featherwort

Plagiochila bifaria

Unknown
Prickly FeatherwortCR

Prickly Featherwort

Plagiochila spinulosa

Unknown
Lesser FeatherwortCR

Lesser Featherwort

Plagiochila porelloides

Unknown
Spotty FeatherwortCR

Spotty Featherwort

Plagiochila punctata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Greater Featherwort classified as Vulnerable?
Greater Featherwort 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. Greater Featherwort faces significant pressure from habitat degradation in its preferred woodland environments, particularly through changes in forest management practices that alter the humid microclimate conditions essential for this bryophyte's survival. Air pollution, especially nitrogen deposition from agricultural and industrial sources, disrupts the delicate chemical balance of bark and rock surfaces where the species establishes. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature fluctuations that can desiccate these moisture-dependent liverwort populations.
Where does Greater Featherwort live?
Greater Featherwort 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 Greater Featherwort?
The main threats to Greater Featherwort 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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