Bog Haircap Moss
VU

Bog Haircap Moss

Polytrichum strictum

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

Polytrichum strictum faces severe decline due to habitat degradation from peat bog drainage and agricultural conversion of wetland areas. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that disrupt the delicate moisture balance required for this moss species. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition from industrial activities further compromises the nutrient-poor conditions essential for its survival in specialized bog ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

Polytrichum strictum inhabits acidic peat bogs, wet heathlands, and nutrient-poor wetland margins across northern temperate and boreal regions. This moss species requires consistently moist, acidic conditions with minimal nutrient input, typically forming dense carpets in sphagnum-dominated bog communities.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Polytrichaceae

VU

Hercynian Haircap

Oligotrichum hercynicum

Unknown
Lesser SmoothcapVU

Lesser Smoothcap

Atrichum angustatum

Unknown
Slender SmoothcapVU

Slender Smoothcap

Atrichum tenellum

Unknown
Dwarf HaircapVU

Dwarf Haircap

Pogonatum nanum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Bog Haircap Moss classified as Vulnerable?
Bog Haircap 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. Polytrichum strictum faces severe decline due to habitat degradation from peat bog drainage and agricultural conversion of wetland areas. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that disrupt the delicate moisture balance required for this moss species. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition from industrial activities further compromises the nutrient-poor conditions essential for its survival in specialized bog ecosystems.
Where does Bog Haircap Moss live?
Bog Haircap 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 Bog Haircap Moss?
The main threats to Bog Haircap 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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