Willow Moss
VU

Willow Moss

Fontinalis antipyretica

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

Willow Moss faces significant decline due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development, which degrades the clean, flowing water conditions essential for its survival. Habitat modification through river channelization and dam construction disrupts the natural flow regimes and substrate stability this species requires. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns and water temperature further stress populations already vulnerable to eutrophication and sedimentation.

Threat summary

Habitat

Willow Moss grows submerged in clean, fast-flowing streams, rivers, and springs with rocky or gravelly substrates. It typically occurs in cool, well-oxygenated waters with low nutrient levels, often forming dense underwater carpets in mountain streams and upland watercourses.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Fontinalaceae

VU

Slender Water Moss

Fontinalis dalecarlica

Unknown
Alpine Water-mossVU

Alpine Water-moss

Fontinalis squamosa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Willow Moss classified as Vulnerable?
Willow 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. Willow Moss faces significant decline due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development, which degrades the clean, flowing water conditions essential for its survival. Habitat modification through river channelization and dam construction disrupts the natural flow regimes and substrate stability this species requires. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns and water temperature further stress populations already vulnerable to eutrophication and sedimentation.
Where does Willow Moss live?
Willow 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 Willow Moss?
The main threats to Willow 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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