VU

Hercynian Haircap

Oligotrichum hercynicum

UnknownLCEULCEU

Overview

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

The Hercynian Haircap faces severe pressure from atmospheric nitrogen deposition, which alters soil chemistry and favors competing vegetation that can outcompete this specialized moss. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and temperature increases that affect the cool, humid conditions this montane species requires. Habitat fragmentation from forestry operations and recreational activities further isolates populations and reduces available suitable habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This moss species inhabits acidic, nutrient-poor soils in montane and subalpine regions, typically growing on exposed mineral soil, rock crevices, and disturbed ground in heathlands and open woodlands. It thrives in cool, humid environments at elevations between 500-2000 meters, particularly in areas with low nitrogen availability.

Other threatened species in Polytrichaceae

Strict HaircapVU

Strict Haircap

Polytrichum strictum

Unknown
VU

little wolverine moss

Psilopilum cavifolium

Unknown
Urn HaircapVU

Urn Haircap

Pogonatum urnigerum

Unknown
Lesser Smoothcap MossVU

Lesser Smoothcap Moss

Atrichum angustatum

Unknown

Threatened in Andorra

Adonis BlueVU

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Lysandra bellargus

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VU

Olive Skipper

Pyrgus serratulae

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Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
Aromatic KnightCR

Aromatic Knight

Tricholoma lascivum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hercynian Haircap classified as Vulnerable?
Hercynian Haircap 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. The Hercynian Haircap faces severe pressure from atmospheric nitrogen deposition, which alters soil chemistry and favors competing vegetation that can outcompete this specialized moss. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and temperature increases that affect the cool, humid conditions this montane species requires. Habitat fragmentation from forestry operations and recreational activities further isolates populations and reduces available suitable habitat.
Where does Hercynian Haircap live?
Hercynian Haircap occurs in Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, and Czechia (plus 25 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 Hercynian Haircap?
The main threats to Hercynian Haircap 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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