EN

glanstagel

Bryoria nitidula

Unknown

Overview

Bryoria nitidula is a hair-like fruticose lichen that forms pendant, grayish-brown tufts hanging from tree branches, particularly conifers. This epiphytic species plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by contributing to nutrient cycling and providing nesting material and food for various wildlife species including birds and small mammals.

Bryoria nitidula faces severe decline primarily due to air pollution, particularly sulfur dioxide and nitrogen compounds that damage its sensitive lichen thalli. Habitat loss from deforestation and urban development has eliminated many suitable host trees, while climate change is altering the cool, humid conditions this species requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This lichen grows exclusively on the bark and branches of old-growth coniferous trees, particularly spruce, fir, and pine species in cool, humid montane and boreal forests. It requires clean air environments with consistent moisture levels and is typically found in undisturbed forest stands at elevations between 500-2000 meters.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Parmeliaceae

VU

Grynet kvistlav

Hypogymnia farinacea

Unknown
VU

Punctelia jeckeri

Unknown
VU

Teer baardmos

Usnea fragilescens

Unknown
VU

Oldgrowth Rag Lichen

Platismatia norvegica

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is glanstagel classified as Endangered?
glanstagel 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. Bryoria nitidula faces severe decline primarily due to air pollution, particularly sulfur dioxide and nitrogen compounds that damage its sensitive lichen thalli. Habitat loss from deforestation and urban development has eliminated many suitable host trees, while climate change is altering the cool, humid conditions this species requires for survival.
Where does glanstagel live?
glanstagel 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 glanstagel?
The main threats to glanstagel 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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