Lesser Smoothcap Moss
VU

Lesser Smoothcap Moss

Atrichum angustatum

UnknownVUEUVUEU

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

Overview

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

Lesser Smoothcap Moss faces significant pressure from habitat degradation due to agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in soil chemistry and moisture levels caused by agricultural runoff and altered drainage patterns. Climate change poses an additional threat through shifting precipitation patterns that could disrupt the specific microhabitat conditions this moss requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Lesser Smoothcap Moss typically grows on moist, nutrient-rich soils in woodland edges, disturbed ground, and along stream banks. The species favors partially shaded environments with consistent moisture levels and well-drained but not waterlogged substrates.

Other threatened species in Polytrichaceae

VU

Hercynian Haircap

Oligotrichum hercynicum

Unknown
Strict HaircapVU

Strict Haircap

Polytrichum strictum

Unknown
VU

little wolverine moss

Psilopilum cavifolium

Unknown
Urn HaircapVU

Urn Haircap

Pogonatum urnigerum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lesser Smoothcap Moss classified as Vulnerable?
Lesser Smoothcap 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 Smoothcap Moss faces significant pressure from habitat degradation due to agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in soil chemistry and moisture levels caused by agricultural runoff and altered drainage patterns. Climate change poses an additional threat through shifting precipitation patterns that could disrupt the specific microhabitat conditions this moss requires for survival.
Where does Lesser Smoothcap Moss live?
Lesser Smoothcap 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 Smoothcap Moss?
The main threats to Lesser Smoothcap 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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