Oval-leaved Pottia
VU

Oval-leaved Pottia

Pterygoneurum ovatum

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

Pterygoneurum ovatum faces severe pressure from agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited European range. The species' specialized calcareous soil requirements make it particularly vulnerable to habitat modification, as traditional extensive grazing systems that maintain suitable open conditions are increasingly abandoned or converted to intensive agriculture. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and soil chemistry in the Mediterranean regions where this moss persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

This small moss species inhabits open, disturbed calcareous soils in Mediterranean and temperate European regions, typically found on shallow soils over limestone, chalk, or other calcium-rich substrates. It colonizes ephemeral habitats such as fallow fields, path edges, quarry floors, and areas maintained by light grazing or periodic disturbance.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Pottiaceae

VU

Rufous Beard-moss

Bryoerythrophyllum ferruginascens

Unknown
Heim's PottiaVU

Heim's Pottia

Hennediella heimii

Unknown
VU

Yellow Crisp-moss

Tortella flavovirens

Unknown
VU

Whorled Tufa-moss

Eucladium verticillatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Oval-leaved Pottia classified as Vulnerable?
Oval-leaved Pottia 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. Pterygoneurum ovatum faces severe pressure from agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited European range. The species' specialized calcareous soil requirements make it particularly vulnerable to habitat modification, as traditional extensive grazing systems that maintain suitable open conditions are increasingly abandoned or converted to intensive agriculture. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and soil chemistry in the Mediterranean regions where this moss persists.
Where does Oval-leaved Pottia live?
Oval-leaved Pottia 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 Oval-leaved Pottia?
The main threats to Oval-leaved Pottia 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.