VU

Slender Water Moss

Fontinalis dalecarlica

UnknownNTEUNTEU

Overview

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

Slender Water Moss faces significant pressure from water pollution and eutrophication, which alter the oligotrophic conditions it requires for survival. Habitat degradation through dam construction and water regulation has reduced suitable flowing water environments, while climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns threaten the stable water levels this species depends upon. Agricultural runoff containing excess nutrients poses a particular threat by promoting algal growth that outcompetes this slow-growing moss species.

Threat summary

Habitat

Slender Water Moss inhabits clean, fast-flowing streams and rivers with rocky substrates, typically in oligotrophic waters with low nutrient levels. It grows submerged on stones and boulders in cool, well-oxygenated mountain and upland watercourses across northern Europe and North America.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Fontinalaceae

Willow MossVU

Willow Moss

Fontinalis antipyretica

Unknown
Alpine Water-mossVU

Alpine Water-moss

Fontinalis squamosa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Slender Water Moss classified as Vulnerable?
Slender Water Moss 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. Slender Water Moss faces significant pressure from water pollution and eutrophication, which alter the oligotrophic conditions it requires for survival. Habitat degradation through dam construction and water regulation has reduced suitable flowing water environments, while climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns threaten the stable water levels this species depends upon. Agricultural runoff containing excess nutrients poses a particular threat by promoting algal growth that outcompetes this slow-growing moss species.
Where does Slender Water Moss live?
Slender Water 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 Slender Water Moss?
The main threats to Slender Water 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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