EN

River Bristle-moss

Orthotrichum rivulare

UnknownLCEULCEU

Overview

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

River Bristle-moss faces severe decline due to water pollution and habitat degradation of its specialized riparian environments. Agricultural runoff, urban development, and altered water flow regimes have contaminated and destroyed many of the clean, fast-flowing streams this species requires. Climate change is exacerbating these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency in its limited range.

Threat summary

Habitat

River Bristle-moss grows exclusively on rocks and boulders in clean, fast-flowing streams and rivers, typically in shaded riparian zones. It requires consistent moisture from spray and splash zones of moving water, making it highly sensitive to changes in water quality and flow patterns.

Other threatened species in Orthotrichaceae

EN

Slender Bristle-moss

Orthotrichum tenellum

Unknown
VU

Macromitrium tocaremae

Unknown
VU

Macromitrium attenuatum

Unknown
VU

Orthotric de Roger

Orthotrichum rogeri

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is River Bristle-moss classified as Endangered?
River Bristle-moss 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. River Bristle-moss faces severe decline due to water pollution and habitat degradation of its specialized riparian environments. Agricultural runoff, urban development, and altered water flow regimes have contaminated and destroyed many of the clean, fast-flowing streams this species requires. Climate change is exacerbating these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency in its limited range.
Where does River Bristle-moss live?
River Bristle-moss 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 River Bristle-moss?
The main threats to River Bristle-moss 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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