Magellan's Peat Moss
VU

Magellan's Peat 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

Red Peat MossVU

Red Peat Moss

Sphagnum rubellum

Unknown
VU

Sphagnum rotundatum

Unknown
VU

Sphagnum falcatulum

Unknown
VU

Sphagnum curvatulum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Magellan's Peat Moss classified as Vulnerable?
Magellan's Peat 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 Magellan's Peat Moss live?
Magellan's Peat 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 Magellan's Peat Moss?
The main threats to Magellan's Peat 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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