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Sand Deceiver

Laccaria maritima

Unknown

Overview

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

The Sand Deceiver faces severe threats from coastal development and tourism infrastructure that destroys its specialized dune habitats. Climate change-driven sea level rise and increased storm intensity threaten to inundate or erode the narrow coastal zones where this fungus establishes mycorrhizal relationships with dune vegetation. Recreational activities including off-road vehicles and foot traffic compact soils and damage the delicate root systems of host plants essential for the species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Sand Deceiver inhabits coastal sand dunes and maritime grasslands, forming mycorrhizal associations with grasses and other dune vegetation in nutrient-poor sandy soils. This specialized fungus is restricted to the narrow zone between established dune systems and active beach environments, requiring specific moisture and salinity conditions.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sand Deceiver classified as Endangered?
Sand Deceiver 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 Sand Deceiver faces severe threats from coastal development and tourism infrastructure that destroys its specialized dune habitats. Climate change-driven sea level rise and increased storm intensity threaten to inundate or erode the narrow coastal zones where this fungus establishes mycorrhizal relationships with dune vegetation. Recreational activities including off-road vehicles and foot traffic compact soils and damage the delicate root systems of host plants essential for the species' survival.
Where does Sand Deceiver live?
Sand Deceiver 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 Sand Deceiver?
The main threats to Sand Deceiver 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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