VU

Yellow Crisp-moss

Tortella flavovirens

UnknownLCEULCEU

Overview

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

Yellow Crisp-moss faces severe decline due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited European range. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition from industrial sources, alters soil chemistry and disrupts the delicate pH balance required for this calciphilic species. Climate change compounds these pressures through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency, which directly impacts the moisture-dependent reproductive cycles of this bryophyte.

Threat summary

Habitat

Yellow Crisp-moss inhabits calcareous grasslands, limestone pavements, and chalk downs across temperate Europe, typically growing on thin soils over calcium-rich substrates. The species requires specific microhabitat conditions including moderate moisture levels, partial shade, and minimal soil disturbance.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Pottiaceae

VU

Rufous Beard-moss

Bryoerythrophyllum ferruginascens

Unknown
Heim's PottiaVU

Heim's Pottia

Hennediella heimii

Unknown
VU

Whorled Tufa-moss

Eucladium verticillatum

Unknown
VU

Lesser Screw-moss

Syntrichia virescens

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Yellow Crisp-moss classified as Vulnerable?
Yellow Crisp-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. Yellow Crisp-moss faces severe decline due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited European range. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition from industrial sources, alters soil chemistry and disrupts the delicate pH balance required for this calciphilic species. Climate change compounds these pressures through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency, which directly impacts the moisture-dependent reproductive cycles of this bryophyte.
Where does Yellow Crisp-moss live?
Yellow Crisp-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 Yellow Crisp-moss?
The main threats to Yellow Crisp-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.

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.