Mealy Tooth
VU

Mealy Tooth

Hydnellum ferrugineum

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Mealy Tooth faces severe decline due to nitrogen pollution from agricultural runoff and atmospheric deposition, which fundamentally alters soil chemistry in its preferred habitats. Habitat fragmentation from forestry practices has reduced the availability of suitable old-growth coniferous forests where this mycorrhizal fungus can establish stable partnerships with host trees. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and soil moisture levels critical for fruiting body development.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Mealy Tooth inhabits mature coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those with acidic, nutrient-poor soils where it forms mycorrhizal associations with spruce, pine, and fir trees. It typically occurs in undisturbed woodland areas with stable soil chemistry and minimal nitrogen enrichment.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Bankeraceae

EN

Rosette Tooth

Hydnellum cumulatum

Unknown
Zoned ToothVU

Zoned Tooth

Hydnellum concrescens

Unknown
VU

Gold Tooth

Hydnellum auratile

Unknown
Greenfoot ToothCR

Greenfoot Tooth

Hydnellum glaucopus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mealy Tooth classified as Vulnerable?
Mealy Tooth 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 Mealy Tooth faces severe decline due to nitrogen pollution from agricultural runoff and atmospheric deposition, which fundamentally alters soil chemistry in its preferred habitats. Habitat fragmentation from forestry practices has reduced the availability of suitable old-growth coniferous forests where this mycorrhizal fungus can establish stable partnerships with host trees. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and soil moisture levels critical for fruiting body development.
Where does Mealy Tooth live?
Mealy Tooth 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 Mealy Tooth?
The main threats to Mealy Tooth 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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