blylavsknagg
Toninia plumbina
Toninia plumbina is a small crustose lichen species characterized by its distinctive lead-gray to bluish-gray thallus that forms thin, closely adherent patches on rock surfaces. This cryptogamic species plays a crucial role in primary succession and soil formation processes, contributing to nutrient cycling in harsh environments where few other organisms can establish.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Lecanoromycetes
Order
Lecanorales
Family
Ramalinaceae
Genus
Toninia
blylavsknagg belongs to the family Ramalinaceae, order Lecanorales, within the Lecanoromycetes class.
Species Profile
Toninia plumbina is a small crustose lichen species characterized by its distinctive lead-gray to bluish-gray thallus that forms thin, closely adherent patches on rock surfaces. This cryptogamic species plays a crucial role in primary succession and soil formation processes, contributing to nutrient cycling in harsh environments where few other organisms can establish.
Toninia plumbina is a critically endangered lichen species facing severe population declines due to habitat loss and environmental degradation. Air pollution and climate change are significantly impacting the specialized microhabitats this species requires for survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Toninia plumbina occurs exclusively on calcareous rock outcrops and limestone cliffs in montane regions, typically at elevations between 800-2000 meters. The species requires specific microclimatic conditions with high humidity, minimal direct sunlight, and stable temperature regimes found in sheltered rock crevices and north-facing cliff faces.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Toninia plumbina is a critically endangered lichen species facing severe population declines due to habitat loss and environmental degradation. Air pollution and climate change are significantly impacting the specialized microhabitats this species requires for survival.
Air pollution and acid deposition
Climate change and altered precipitation patterns
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Urban development and land use changes
Collection pressure for scientific study
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). blylavsknagg (Toninia plumbina). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/blylavsknagg