Semifree Morel
VU

Semifree Morel

Morchella semilibera

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Semifree Morel faces significant pressure from habitat degradation as urban development and agricultural intensification reduce suitable woodland areas. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for fruiting body formation. Over-harvesting by commercial and recreational foragers has led to population declines in accessible areas, while pollution from agricultural runoff affects the soil chemistry essential for mycorrhizal relationships.

Threat summary

Habitat

Semifree Morels inhabit deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly favoring areas with rich, moist soils near streams and in floodplains. They form mycorrhizal associations with hardwood trees including elm, ash, and tulip poplar, typically fruiting in spring following specific temperature and moisture cycles.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Morchellaceae

EN

Fischerula macrospora

Unknown
Yellow MorelVU

Yellow Morel

Morchella esculenta

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Semifree Morel classified as Vulnerable?
Semifree Morel 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 Semifree Morel faces significant pressure from habitat degradation as urban development and agricultural intensification reduce suitable woodland areas. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for fruiting body formation. Over-harvesting by commercial and recreational foragers has led to population declines in accessible areas, while pollution from agricultural runoff affects the soil chemistry essential for mycorrhizal relationships.
Where does Semifree Morel live?
Semifree Morel 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 Semifree Morel?
The main threats to Semifree Morel 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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