The Sickener
VU

The Sickener

Russula emetica

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Sickener faces mounting pressure from widespread forest degradation and acidification of soils in its preferred coniferous habitats. Climate change is altering the delicate mycorrhizal relationships this species depends on, while increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition disrupts the acidic soil chemistry essential for its survival. Urban expansion and intensive forestry practices continue to fragment the old-growth and semi-natural woodland ecosystems where this distinctive red-capped mushroom thrives.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Sickener inhabits acidic soils in coniferous and mixed woodlands, particularly favoring areas under pine, spruce, and birch trees where it forms essential mycorrhizal relationships. This species thrives in both old-growth forests and semi-natural woodland environments across temperate regions, requiring specific soil pH conditions and undisturbed forest floor ecosystems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Russulaceae

Amethyst BrittlegillCR

Amethyst Brittlegill

Russula amethystina

Unknown
Russule noircieCR

Russule noircie

Russula seperina

Unknown
Hintapink BrittlegillEN

Hintapink Brittlegill

Russula paludosa

Unknown
EN

Russule rose bonbon

Russula veternosa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is The Sickener classified as Vulnerable?
The Sickener 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. The Sickener faces mounting pressure from widespread forest degradation and acidification of soils in its preferred coniferous habitats. Climate change is altering the delicate mycorrhizal relationships this species depends on, while increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition disrupts the acidic soil chemistry essential for its survival. Urban expansion and intensive forestry practices continue to fragment the old-growth and semi-natural woodland ecosystems where this distinctive red-capped mushroom thrives.
Where does The Sickener live?
The Sickener 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 Sickener?
The main threats to The Sickener 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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