duinleermos
EN

duinleermos

Peltigera ponojensis

Unknown

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Jason Hollinger, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Overview

Peltigera ponojensis is a foliose lichen species with distinctive gray-green to brownish thalli that can reach several centimeters across, featuring prominent veining on the underside. This nitrogen-fixing lichen forms symbiotic relationships with cyanobacteria, contributing essential nutrients to nutrient-poor ecosystems and serving as an indicator of environmental health.

Peltigera ponojensis faces severe decline due to habitat degradation from atmospheric pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, which alter the chemical composition of its substrate. Climate change and increased frequency of extreme weather events further threaten the delicate balance required for this lichen's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This lichen inhabits stabilized coastal sand dunes and sandy grasslands, typically growing on moss-covered sand or among sparse vegetation in calcium-rich maritime environments. It thrives in areas with moderate moisture levels and some protection from direct salt spray, often found in dune slacks and the landward edges of coastal dune systems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Peltigeraceae

Ruffled Freckled Pelt LichenCR

Ruffled Freckled Pelt Lichen

Peltigera leucophlebia

Unknown
VU

Solorina octospora

Unknown
CR

Tree Pelt Lichen

Peltigera collina

Unknown
Matt Felt LichenEN

Matt Felt Lichen

Peltigera malacea

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is duinleermos classified as Endangered?
duinleermos is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Peltigera ponojensis faces severe decline due to habitat degradation from atmospheric pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, which alter the chemical composition of its substrate. Climate change and increased frequency of extreme weather events further threaten the delicate balance required for this lichen's survival.
Where does duinleermos live?
duinleermos 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 duinleermos?
The main threats to duinleermos 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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