VU

Star Earthtongue

Geoglossum starbaeckii

Unknown

Overview

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

Star Earthtongue faces significant decline due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and nitrogen deposition, which alter the nutrient-poor grassland conditions this species requires. The fungus is particularly vulnerable to changes in grazing patterns and soil chemistry, as it depends on specific mycorrhizal relationships with grassland plants. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the delicate moisture balance needed for fruiting body development.

Threat summary

Habitat

Star Earthtongue occurs in nutrient-poor, unimproved grasslands, particularly old pastures and meadows with low nitrogen levels. The species typically grows in short, grazed turf on calcareous or neutral soils, often in association with waxcap fungi and other grassland fungi that indicate high ecological quality.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Geoglossaceae

Short-spored EarthtongueVU

Short-spored Earthtongue

Trichoglossum walteri

Unknown
Hairy EarthtongueVU

Hairy Earthtongue

Trichoglossum hirsutum

Unknown
EN

Geoglossum glabrum

Unknown
EN

Plain Earthtongue

Geoglossum umbratile

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Star Earthtongue classified as Vulnerable?
Star Earthtongue 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. Star Earthtongue faces significant decline due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and nitrogen deposition, which alter the nutrient-poor grassland conditions this species requires. The fungus is particularly vulnerable to changes in grazing patterns and soil chemistry, as it depends on specific mycorrhizal relationships with grassland plants. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the delicate moisture balance needed for fruiting body development.
Where does Star Earthtongue live?
Star 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 Star Earthtongue?
The main threats to Star 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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