hypotrachyna lichen
VU

hypotrachyna lichen

Hypotrachyna laevigata

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Hypotrachyna laevigata faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter bark chemistry and disrupt lichen symbiosis. Urban expansion and industrial development have eliminated many suitable host trees, while climate change creates increasingly unsuitable microclimatic conditions for this pollution-sensitive species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This foliose lichen grows on the bark of deciduous trees, particularly favoring mature specimens with stable bark chemistry in areas with clean air quality. It typically occurs in old-growth forests and well-established parklands where air pollution levels remain relatively low.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is hypotrachyna lichen classified as Vulnerable?
hypotrachyna 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. Hypotrachyna laevigata faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter bark chemistry and disrupt lichen symbiosis. Urban expansion and industrial development have eliminated many suitable host trees, while climate change creates increasingly unsuitable microclimatic conditions for this pollution-sensitive species.
Where does hypotrachyna lichen live?
hypotrachyna 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 hypotrachyna lichen?
The main threats to hypotrachyna 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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