VU

Lesser Squirrel-tail Moss

Habrodon perpusillus

UnknownLCEULCEU

Overview

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

Lesser Squirrel-tail Moss faces significant pressure from habitat degradation caused by air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, which alter the bark chemistry of its host trees. Urban development and intensive forestry practices have reduced the availability of suitable old-growth deciduous trees with the specific bark conditions this epiphytic moss requires. Climate change compounds these threats by altering moisture regimes and temperature patterns that affect both the moss and its host tree species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic moss grows exclusively on the bark of mature deciduous trees, particularly favoring species with smooth, nutrient-rich bark such as ash, elm, and maple in humid woodland environments. It requires specific microclimate conditions with consistent moisture levels and is typically found in old-growth or semi-natural forests with minimal air pollution.

Threatened in Algeria

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
small mallowVU

small mallow

Malva pusilla

Unknown
Blind SnailVU

Blind Snail

Cecilioides acicula

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lesser Squirrel-tail Moss classified as Vulnerable?
Lesser Squirrel-tail 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 Squirrel-tail Moss faces significant pressure from habitat degradation caused by air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, which alter the bark chemistry of its host trees. Urban development and intensive forestry practices have reduced the availability of suitable old-growth deciduous trees with the specific bark conditions this epiphytic moss requires. Climate change compounds these threats by altering moisture regimes and temperature patterns that affect both the moss and its host tree species.
Where does Lesser Squirrel-tail Moss live?
Lesser Squirrel-tail Moss occurs in Algeria, Andorra, Belgium, China, Croatia, and France (plus 20 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 Lesser Squirrel-tail Moss?
The main threats to Lesser Squirrel-tail 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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