Derbyshire Feather-moss
Thamnobryum angustifolium
Photo: Photo: (c) Stephen Moores, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Stephen Moores
Overview
Thamnobryum angustifolium, the Derbyshire feathermoss, is a species of moss in the Neckeraceae family. It is endemic to Derbyshire, England, being restricted to a single SSSI, where the main colony covers about 3 square metres (32 sq ft) of a single rock face, with small subsidiary colonies nearby. Threats include disturbance from cavers and climbers, collection by bryologists, pollution of the spring in which it grows, and desiccation during periods of drought.
Its natural habitat is rivers.
Thamnobryum angustifolium faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion within its extremely limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in microclimate conditions, as bryophytes require specific humidity and temperature regimes that are easily disrupted by human activities. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that could push this moss beyond its physiological tolerance limits.
Habitat
This critically endangered moss species inhabits specific microhabitats within temperate forests, typically growing on moist soil, rock surfaces, or decaying wood in shaded areas. It requires stable humidity levels and cool temperatures characteristic of undisturbed forest understories.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in NECKERACEAE
Threatened in Ireland
Frequently asked questions
Why is Derbyshire Feather-moss classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Derbyshire Feather-moss live?
What are the main threats to Derbyshire Feather-moss?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.