CR

Phycolepidozia exigua

Unknown

Overview

Phycolepidozia exigua is a species of liverwort in the family Cephaloziellaceae. It was thought to be the only species in the genus until a new species from India, Phycolepidozia indica, was found in 2014. Phycolepidozia exigua is endemic to Dominica, where it is critically endangered. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Phycolepidozia exigua faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and human disturbance. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid microhabitats essential for this bryophyte's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered liverwort inhabits humid, shaded microhabitats within tropical or subtropical forests, typically growing on decaying wood, soil, or rock surfaces. It requires consistently moist conditions and is found in areas with stable microclimatic conditions that support specialized bryophyte communities.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Phycolepidozia exigua classified as Critically Endangered?
Phycolepidozia exigua 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. Phycolepidozia exigua faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and human disturbance. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid microhabitats essential for this bryophyte's survival.
Where does Phycolepidozia exigua live?
Phycolepidozia exigua 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 Phycolepidozia exigua?
The main threats to Phycolepidozia exigua are 11.4, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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