Red Peatmoss
VU

Red Peatmoss

Sphagnum rubellum

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

Red Peatmoss faces severe pressure from peat extraction operations that destroy entire bog ecosystems where this species forms critical habitat-building communities. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that disrupt the delicate water balance essential for Sphagnum bog maintenance. Drainage for agriculture and forestry development continues to fragment remaining peatland habitats across its range.

Threat summary

Habitat

Red Peatmoss inhabits acidic bogs, fens, and other peatland ecosystems where it forms dense carpets in waterlogged, nutrient-poor conditions. This species typically occurs in cool temperate regions, thriving in the permanently saturated, low-pH environments characteristic of Sphagnum-dominated wetlands.

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
VU

Sphagnum rotundatum

Unknown
Magellanic Bog-mossVU

Magellanic Bog-moss

Sphagnum magellanicum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Red Peatmoss classified as Vulnerable?
Red Peatmoss 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. Red Peatmoss faces severe pressure from peat extraction operations that destroy entire bog ecosystems where this species forms critical habitat-building communities. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that disrupt the delicate water balance essential for Sphagnum bog maintenance. Drainage for agriculture and forestry development continues to fragment remaining peatland habitats across its range.
Where does Red Peatmoss live?
Red 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 Red Peatmoss?
The main threats to Red 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.

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.