Slimy Earthtongue
EN

Slimy Earthtongue

Geoglossum difforme

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Slimy Earthtongue faces severe decline due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and nitrogen deposition, which alter the delicate soil chemistry required for its mycorrhizal associations. Grassland conversion and the widespread use of fertilizers have eliminated many of its traditional semi-natural grassland habitats across Europe. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and soil moisture levels critical for fruiting body development.

Threat summary

Habitat

This distinctive fungus occurs in nutrient-poor, unimproved grasslands, particularly old pastures and meadows with low nitrogen levels. It forms associations with grasses and other plants in calcareous and neutral soils, typically in areas with traditional extensive grazing management.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Geoglossaceae

VU

Star Earthtongue

Geoglossum starbaeckii

Unknown
Short-spored EarthtongueVU

Short-spored Earthtongue

Trichoglossum walteri

Unknown
Hairy EarthtongueVU

Hairy Earthtongue

Trichoglossum hirsutum

Unknown
EN

Geoglossum glabrum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Slimy Earthtongue classified as Endangered?
Slimy Earthtongue 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 Slimy Earthtongue faces severe decline due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and nitrogen deposition, which alter the delicate soil chemistry required for its mycorrhizal associations. Grassland conversion and the widespread use of fertilizers have eliminated many of its traditional semi-natural grassland habitats across Europe. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and soil moisture levels critical for fruiting body development.
Where does Slimy Earthtongue live?
Slimy Earthtongue 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 Slimy Earthtongue?
The main threats to Slimy Earthtongue 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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