Rock speckled shield lichen
VU

Rock speckled shield lichen

Punctelia stictica

Unknown

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

Overview

Punctelia stictica is a species of foliose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. It is widely distributed lichen, recorded in Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and Greenland. It is typically found growing on rocks.

Bruin stippelschildmos faces significant threats from air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds, which alter the chemical composition of its substrate and reduce lichen diversity. Habitat loss through deforestation and urban development further restricts available suitable surfaces, while climate change affects the delicate moisture balance required for this epiphytic species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic lichen species grows on the bark of deciduous and coniferous trees in mature forests, woodland edges, and parklands. It typically occurs in areas with moderate to high humidity and clean air conditions, often found on oak, maple, and other broad-leaved trees with textured bark.

Other threatened species in Parmeliaceae

VU

Spotted Beard Lichen

Usnea glabrescens

Unknown
Witches' Whiskers LichenVU

Witches' Whiskers Lichen

Usnea florida

Unknown
Salted Ruffle LichenVU

Salted Ruffle Lichen

Parmotrema crinitum

Unknown
VU

Horsehair lichen

Bryoria tenuis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Rock speckled shield lichen classified as Vulnerable?
Rock speckled shield 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. Bruin stippelschildmos faces significant threats from air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds, which alter the chemical composition of its substrate and reduce lichen diversity. Habitat loss through deforestation and urban development further restricts available suitable surfaces, while climate change affects the delicate moisture balance required for this epiphytic species.
Where does Rock speckled shield lichen live?
Rock speckled shield 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 Rock speckled shield lichen?
The main threats to Rock speckled shield 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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