blekskaftad svartspik
CR

blekskaftad svartspik

Chaenothecopsis pusilla

Unknown

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)

Overview

Chaenothecopsis pusilla is a minute pin lichen species characterized by its distinctive black stalks (mazaedia) topped with dark spore masses. This cryptic fungal species forms tiny, hair-like fruiting bodies that are easily overlooked, typically measuring only 0.5-1.5mm in height. As a specialized decomposer, it plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling within old-growth forest ecosystems.

Chaenothecopsis pusilla, a critically endangered lichen species, faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation. Air pollution and climate change further threaten the specific microhabitat conditions this species requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species occurs exclusively on the weathered, decaying wood of ancient coniferous trees, particularly old stumps and fallen logs in undisturbed boreal and montane forests. It requires very specific microhabitat conditions with consistent moisture, low light levels, and minimal disturbance that are only found in mature forest stands aged 100+ years.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Mycocaliciaceae

VU

Chaenothecopsis montana

Unknown
VU

Chaenothecopsis haematopus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is blekskaftad svartspik classified as Critically Endangered?
blekskaftad svartspik is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Chaenothecopsis pusilla, a critically endangered lichen species, faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation. Air pollution and climate change further threaten the specific microhabitat conditions this species requires for survival.
Where does blekskaftad svartspik live?
blekskaftad svartspik 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 blekskaftad svartspik?
The main threats to blekskaftad svartspik 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.