The Humpback
EN

The Humpback

Cantharellula umbonata

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Humpback mushroom faces severe decline due to habitat degradation from intensive forestry practices that remove the old-growth coniferous forests it depends upon. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering soil chemistry and moisture regimes essential for its mycorrhizal relationships. Pollution from agricultural runoff and atmospheric nitrogen deposition further disrupts the delicate forest floor ecosystems where this species forms critical symbiotic partnerships with tree roots.

Threat summary

Habitat

Cantharellula umbonata inhabits mature coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those dominated by spruce, fir, and pine species across northern temperate regions. This mycorrhizal fungus forms essential symbiotic relationships with tree roots in acidic, well-drained forest soils rich in organic matter.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is The Humpback classified as Endangered?
The Humpback 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 Humpback mushroom faces severe decline due to habitat degradation from intensive forestry practices that remove the old-growth coniferous forests it depends upon. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering soil chemistry and moisture regimes essential for its mycorrhizal relationships. Pollution from agricultural runoff and atmospheric nitrogen deposition further disrupts the delicate forest floor ecosystems where this species forms critical symbiotic partnerships with tree roots.
Where does The Humpback live?
The Humpback 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 The Humpback?
The main threats to The Humpback 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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