Orchard Toothcrust
CR

Orchard Toothcrust

Sarcodontia setosa

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Orchard Toothcrust faces severe threats from habitat loss due to the decline of traditional orchards and old-growth forests containing its essential host trees. Climate change and intensive agricultural practices have dramatically reduced suitable substrates, while pollution and pesticide use in modern farming further compromise the fungal communities this species depends on for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This fungus grows on dead and dying hardwood trees, particularly fruit trees in traditional orchards, old apple and pear trees, and occasionally on other deciduous species in mature woodland edges and parkland environments. It requires specific moisture conditions and substrate chemistry found in aging wood of broadleaf trees, especially in semi-natural and traditional agricultural landscapes.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Orchard Toothcrust classified as Critically Endangered?
Orchard Toothcrust is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Orchard Toothcrust faces severe threats from habitat loss due to the decline of traditional orchards and old-growth forests containing its essential host trees. Climate change and intensive agricultural practices have dramatically reduced suitable substrates, while pollution and pesticide use in modern farming further compromise the fungal communities this species depends on for survival.
Where does Orchard Toothcrust live?
Orchard Toothcrust 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 Orchard Toothcrust?
The main threats to Orchard Toothcrust 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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