VU

Limestone Waxcap

Hygrocybe calciphila

Unknown

Overview

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

The Limestone Waxcap faces severe decline due to agricultural intensification and nitrogen deposition, which alter the nutrient-poor grassland conditions essential for its survival. Traditional low-intensity grazing practices that maintained suitable habitat have been largely abandoned, leading to scrubland encroachment and grass dominance. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and soil chemistry in the specialized calcareous environments this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This distinctive waxcap mushroom occurs exclusively in nutrient-poor, unimproved calcareous grasslands, particularly those maintained by traditional low-intensity grazing. It requires the specific soil chemistry and microbial communities found in ancient limestone grasslands with minimal fertilizer input.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Limestone Waxcap classified as Vulnerable?
Limestone Waxcap 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 Limestone Waxcap faces severe decline due to agricultural intensification and nitrogen deposition, which alter the nutrient-poor grassland conditions essential for its survival. Traditional low-intensity grazing practices that maintained suitable habitat have been largely abandoned, leading to scrubland encroachment and grass dominance. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and soil chemistry in the specialized calcareous environments this species requires.
Where does Limestone Waxcap live?
Limestone Waxcap occurs in Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, and France (plus 16 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 Limestone Waxcap?
The main threats to Limestone Waxcap 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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