Pine Spike-cap
EN

Pine Spike-cap

Chroogomphus rutilus

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Pine Spike-cap faces severe decline due to widespread deforestation and logging of old-growth coniferous forests, which destroys the mature pine ecosystems essential for its mycorrhizal relationships. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect both the fungus and its host trees. Air pollution, particularly acid rain and nitrogen deposition, degrades soil chemistry and disrupts the delicate symbiotic networks between the fungus and pine roots.

Threat summary

Habitat

Pine Spike-cap grows exclusively in mature coniferous forests, forming essential mycorrhizal partnerships with pine species including Scots pine and other Pinus species. The fungus requires well-established forest ecosystems with stable soil conditions and minimal disturbance to maintain its complex underground networks.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Gomphidiaceae

Larch SpikeEN

Larch Spike

Gomphidius maculatus

Unknown
Slimy SpikeCR

Slimy Spike

Gomphidius glutinosus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pine Spike-cap classified as Endangered?
Pine Spike-cap 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. The Pine Spike-cap faces severe decline due to widespread deforestation and logging of old-growth coniferous forests, which destroys the mature pine ecosystems essential for its mycorrhizal relationships. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect both the fungus and its host trees. Air pollution, particularly acid rain and nitrogen deposition, degrades soil chemistry and disrupts the delicate symbiotic networks between the fungus and pine roots.
Where does Pine Spike-cap live?
Pine Spike-cap 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 Pine Spike-cap?
The main threats to Pine Spike-cap 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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