Russet Brittlegill
VU

Russet Brittlegill

Russula mustelina

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Russet Brittlegill faces significant pressure from habitat degradation due to intensive forestry practices that alter the mycorrhizal relationships essential for its survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by shifting temperature and moisture regimes in its preferred woodland habitats, potentially disrupting the delicate fungal-plant partnerships this species depends upon. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition, further compromises the soil chemistry and forest ecosystem health required for this mycorrhizal fungus to thrive.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Russet Brittlegill is found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, forming mycorrhizal associations with broadleaf trees, particularly beech and oak. It typically occurs in mature forest ecosystems with stable soil conditions and established fungal networks.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Russulaceae

Amethyst BrittlegillCR

Amethyst Brittlegill

Russula amethystina

Unknown
Russule noircieCR

Russule noircie

Russula seperina

Unknown
Hintapink BrittlegillEN

Hintapink Brittlegill

Russula paludosa

Unknown
EN

Russule rose bonbon

Russula veternosa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Russet Brittlegill classified as Vulnerable?
Russet Brittlegill 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. The Russet Brittlegill faces significant pressure from habitat degradation due to intensive forestry practices that alter the mycorrhizal relationships essential for its survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by shifting temperature and moisture regimes in its preferred woodland habitats, potentially disrupting the delicate fungal-plant partnerships this species depends upon. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition, further compromises the soil chemistry and forest ecosystem health required for this mycorrhizal fungus to thrive.
Where does Russet Brittlegill live?
Russet Brittlegill 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 Russet Brittlegill?
The main threats to Russet Brittlegill 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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