VU

Lesser Screw-moss

Syntrichia virescens

UnknownLCEULCEU

Overview

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

Lesser Screw-moss faces significant pressure from urban development and infrastructure expansion across its limited range in Mediterranean regions. Agricultural intensification and grazing pressure have degraded many of its specialized calcareous rock habitats. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the moisture regimes essential for this bryophyte's survival and reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

Lesser Screw-moss grows on calcareous rocks, walls, and limestone substrates in Mediterranean climates, typically in semi-arid environments with seasonal moisture availability. It colonizes both natural rock faces and anthropogenic stone structures including old walls and buildings in rural and urban-edge environments.

Other threatened species in Pottiaceae

VU

Rufous Beard-moss

Bryoerythrophyllum ferruginascens

Unknown
Heim's PottiaVU

Heim's Pottia

Hennediella heimii

Unknown
VU

Yellow Crisp-moss

Tortella flavovirens

Unknown
VU

Whorled Tufa-moss

Eucladium verticillatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lesser Screw-moss classified as Vulnerable?
Lesser Screw-moss 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. Lesser Screw-moss faces significant pressure from urban development and infrastructure expansion across its limited range in Mediterranean regions. Agricultural intensification and grazing pressure have degraded many of its specialized calcareous rock habitats. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the moisture regimes essential for this bryophyte's survival and reproduction.
Where does Lesser Screw-moss live?
Lesser Screw-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 Lesser Screw-moss?
The main threats to Lesser Screw-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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