CR

Cercidospora cladoniicola

Unknown

Overview

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

Cercidospora cladoniicola faces severe threats from air pollution and acid deposition, which directly impact both the fungus and its lichen hosts. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect the delicate balance required for this specialized parasitic relationship. Habitat fragmentation and loss of suitable lichen communities further restrict the species' already limited distribution.

Threat summary

Habitat

This specialized parasitic fungus inhabits mature forest ecosystems where it grows exclusively on Cladonia lichen species. It requires stable, humid microenvironments with minimal air pollution, typically found in undisturbed woodland areas with well-established lichen communities.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cercidospora cladoniicola classified as Critically Endangered?
Cercidospora cladoniicola 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. Cercidospora cladoniicola faces severe threats from air pollution and acid deposition, which directly impact both the fungus and its lichen hosts. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect the delicate balance required for this specialized parasitic relationship. Habitat fragmentation and loss of suitable lichen communities further restrict the species' already limited distribution.
Where does Cercidospora cladoniicola live?
Cercidospora cladoniicola 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 Cercidospora cladoniicola?
The main threats to Cercidospora cladoniicola 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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