VU

Spotted Beard Lichen

Usnea glabrescens

Unknown

Overview

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

Usnea glabrescens faces severe decline due to air pollution sensitivity, as this lichen species cannot tolerate elevated levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen compounds from industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust. Forest fragmentation and logging activities destroy the mature tree substrates essential for its growth, while climate change alters the humid microclimatic conditions this species requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Usnea glabrescens grows as an epiphytic lichen on the bark of mature deciduous and coniferous trees in old-growth and semi-natural forests. It requires clean air environments with high humidity and stable microclimatic conditions typically found in undisturbed woodland ecosystems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Unknown
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VU

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Spotted Beard Lichen classified as Vulnerable?
Spotted Beard Lichen 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. Usnea glabrescens faces severe decline due to air pollution sensitivity, as this lichen species cannot tolerate elevated levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen compounds from industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust. Forest fragmentation and logging activities destroy the mature tree substrates essential for its growth, while climate change alters the humid microclimatic conditions this species requires for survival.
Where does Spotted Beard Lichen live?
Spotted Beard Lichen 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 Spotted Beard Lichen?
The main threats to Spotted Beard Lichen 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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