Grimmia Dry Rock Moss
CR

Grimmia Dry Rock Moss

Grimmia plagiopodia

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Photo: Photo: (c) Alex Fergus, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Alex Fergus

Overview

Grimmia plagiopodia is a small, cushion-forming moss species that grows in dense, dark green to blackish tufts on exposed rock surfaces. This bryophyte plays a crucial ecological role as a pioneer species, helping to stabilize soil and create microhabitats for other organisms in harsh, dry environments. Its specialized structure allows it to survive extreme desiccation by curling its leaves tightly when water is scarce.

Grimmia plagiopodia faces severe threats from habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized dry rock environments. Climate change and human activities such as quarrying, construction, and recreational activities are destroying the limited rocky outcrops and cliff faces where this moss species can survive. The species' extremely restricted range and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to any environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

Grimmia plagiopodia inhabits exposed siliceous rock faces, cliff ledges, and boulder surfaces in montane and subalpine regions where it experiences extreme temperature fluctuations and prolonged dry periods. The species typically colonizes south-facing rock surfaces and crevices that receive intense solar radiation but have minimal soil accumulation.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Grimmiaceae

Streamside Schistidium MossCR

Streamside Schistidium Moss

Schistidium rivulare

Unknown
Stook GrimmiaCR

Stook Grimmia

Schistidium trichodon

Unknown
Robust GrimmiaCR

Robust Grimmia

Schistidium robustum

Unknown
Sieve-tooth MossCR

Sieve-tooth Moss

Coscinodon cribrosus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Grimmia Dry Rock Moss classified as Critically Endangered?
Grimmia Dry Rock Moss is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Grimmia plagiopodia faces severe threats from habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized dry rock environments. Climate change and human activities such as quarrying, construction, and recreational activities are destroying the limited rocky outcrops and cliff faces where this moss species can survive. The species' extremely restricted range and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to any environmental changes.
Where does Grimmia Dry Rock Moss live?
Grimmia Dry Rock 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 Grimmia Dry Rock Moss?
The main threats to Grimmia Dry Rock 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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