Polycera faeroensis
VU

Polycera faeroensis

Local name: gulskäggsnuding

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Polycera faeroensis faces significant threats from ocean acidification, which weakens the shells of its molluscan prey and disrupts the delicate pH balance of its shallow marine environment. Climate change-induced warming of North Atlantic waters threatens to shift the distribution of its specialized prey species, potentially creating food scarcity. Coastal development and marine pollution in the Faroe Islands and surrounding regions further degrade the pristine rocky shore habitats essential for this nudibranch's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This nudibranch inhabits shallow rocky shores and kelp forests in the cold North Atlantic waters around the Faroe Islands, typically found at depths of 5-30 meters. It requires pristine marine environments with abundant bryozoan colonies and other small invertebrates that serve as its primary food sources.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Polyceridae

Palio nothusVU

Palio nothus

Unknown

Threatened in Faroe Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Shining HookeriaCR

Shining Hookeria

Hookeria lucens

Unknown
svepeedderkoppCR

svepeedderkopp

Baryphyma trifrons

Unknown
Tree FringewortCR

Tree Fringewort

Ptilidium pulcherrimum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is gulskäggsnuding classified as Vulnerable?
gulskäggsnuding 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. Polycera faeroensis faces significant threats from ocean acidification, which weakens the shells of its molluscan prey and disrupts the delicate pH balance of its shallow marine environment. Climate change-induced warming of North Atlantic waters threatens to shift the distribution of its specialized prey species, potentially creating food scarcity. Coastal development and marine pollution in the Faroe Islands and surrounding regions further degrade the pristine rocky shore habitats essential for this nudibranch's survival.
Where does gulskäggsnuding live?
gulskäggsnuding occurs in Faroe Islands, France, Guernsey, Ireland, Isle of Man, and Jersey (plus 6 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to gulskäggsnuding?
The main threats to gulskäggsnuding 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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