glanstagel
Bryoria nitidula
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.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Lecanoromycetes
Order
Lecanorales
Family
Parmeliaceae
Genus
Bryoria
glanstagel belongs to the family Parmeliaceae, order Lecanorales, within the Lecanoromycetes class.
Species Profile
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
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.
Air pollution (sulfur dioxide and nitrogen compounds)
Deforestation and habitat fragmentation
Climate change and altered precipitation patterns
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
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). glanstagel (Bryoria nitidula). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/glanstagel