Narrowleaf Peatmoss
EN

Narrowleaf Peatmoss

Sphagnum angustifolium

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

Narrowleaf Peatmoss faces severe decline due to widespread peatland drainage for agriculture and forestry development across its range. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that disrupt the delicate hydrological balance essential for Sphagnum bog ecosystems. Peat extraction for horticultural use has historically destroyed many populations, while atmospheric nitrogen deposition from industrial sources alters bog chemistry and favors competing vegetation.

Threat summary

Habitat

Narrowleaf Peatmoss inhabits acidic, nutrient-poor sphagnum bogs and wet heathlands, typically forming dense carpets in waterlogged conditions with pH levels between 3.5-4.5. It thrives in cool, humid environments where consistent moisture and low mineral content create the specialized conditions required for peat moss communities.

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 Narrowleaf Peatmoss classified as Endangered?
Narrowleaf Peatmoss is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Narrowleaf Peatmoss faces severe decline due to widespread peatland drainage for agriculture and forestry development across its range. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that disrupt the delicate hydrological balance essential for Sphagnum bog ecosystems. Peat extraction for horticultural use has historically destroyed many populations, while atmospheric nitrogen deposition from industrial sources alters bog chemistry and favors competing vegetation.
Where does Narrowleaf Peatmoss live?
Narrowleaf Peatmoss 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 Narrowleaf Peatmoss?
The main threats to Narrowleaf Peatmoss 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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