Magellanic Bog-moss
VU

Magellanic Bog-moss

Sphagnum magellanicum

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Magellanic Bog-moss faces severe pressure from peat extraction operations that destroy entire bog ecosystems where this species forms the foundational matrix. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that disrupt the cool, waterlogged conditions essential for Sphagnum growth. Drainage of wetlands for agriculture and forestry development further fragments remaining populations across its circumpolar range.

Threat summary

Habitat

Magellanic Bog-moss thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor peatlands and sphagnum bogs across boreal and subarctic regions. It forms dense carpets in waterlogged conditions with consistently cool temperatures and high humidity, often dominating the moss layer in ombrotrophic (rain-fed) bog ecosystems.

Other threatened species in Sphagnaceae

Russow's SphagnumVU

Russow's Sphagnum

Sphagnum russowii

Unknown
Slender Cow-horn Bog-mossVU

Slender Cow-horn Bog-moss

Sphagnum subsecundum

Unknown
Red PeatmossVU

Red Peatmoss

Sphagnum rubellum

Unknown
VU

Sphagnum rotundatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Magellanic Bog-moss classified as Vulnerable?
Magellanic Bog-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. Magellanic Bog-moss faces severe pressure from peat extraction operations that destroy entire bog ecosystems where this species forms the foundational matrix. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that disrupt the cool, waterlogged conditions essential for Sphagnum growth. Drainage of wetlands for agriculture and forestry development further fragments remaining populations across its circumpolar range.
Where does Magellanic Bog-moss live?
Magellanic Bog-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 Magellanic Bog-moss?
The main threats to Magellanic Bog-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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.