Varnished Hook-moss
VU

Varnished Hook-moss

Hamatocaulis vernicosus

UnknownVUEUVUEU

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

Overview

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

Varnished Hook-moss faces severe decline due to drainage and modification of its specialized wetland habitats, particularly rich fens and calcareous marshes. Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated many suitable sites across its European range. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and changes in hydrology from climate change further degrade remaining populations by altering the precise chemical and moisture conditions this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

Varnished Hook-moss inhabits calcium-rich wetlands including fens, marshes, and wet meadows with consistent moisture and specific water chemistry. It typically grows in areas with slow-moving or standing water that maintains high mineral content and alkaline conditions.

Other threatened species in Scorpidiaceae

EN

Rusty Hook-moss

Scorpidium revolvens

Unknown
VU

Hooked Scorpion-moss

Scorpidium scorpioides

Unknown
VU

Intermediate Hook-moss

Scorpidium cossonii

Unknown

Threatened in Åland Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Syndyas nigripes

Unknown
Chrysotus cupreusCR

Chrysotus cupreus

Unknown
VU

narulukkokiiluri

Syntormon filiger

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Varnished Hook-moss classified as Vulnerable?
Varnished Hook-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. Varnished Hook-moss faces severe decline due to drainage and modification of its specialized wetland habitats, particularly rich fens and calcareous marshes. Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated many suitable sites across its European range. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and changes in hydrology from climate change further degrade remaining populations by altering the precise chemical and moisture conditions this species requires.
Where does Varnished Hook-moss live?
Varnished Hook-moss occurs in Åland Islands, Algeria, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, and Belgium (plus 45 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Varnished Hook-moss?
The main threats to Varnished Hook-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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