Thyrea confusa
VU

Thyrea confusa

Local name: gråtungelav

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Thyrea confusa faces severe decline due to air pollution and acid rain, which directly damage its sensitive thallus structure and disrupt the delicate chemical balance required for photosynthesis. Urban expansion and industrial development have eliminated many of its traditional substrates, particularly old-growth bark surfaces that provide the stable microclimate conditions this lichen requires. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperature fluctuations that stress the species beyond its tolerance limits.

Threat summary

Habitat

Thyrea confusa grows exclusively on the bark of mature deciduous trees, particularly favoring oak and beech species in old-growth forests and established parklands. The species requires stable microclimatic conditions with consistent humidity levels and minimal air pollution, typically found in undisturbed woodland environments across northern and central Europe.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is gråtungelav classified as Vulnerable?
gråtungelav 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. Thyrea confusa faces severe decline due to air pollution and acid rain, which directly damage its sensitive thallus structure and disrupt the delicate chemical balance required for photosynthesis. Urban expansion and industrial development have eliminated many of its traditional substrates, particularly old-growth bark surfaces that provide the stable microclimate conditions this lichen requires. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperature fluctuations that stress the species beyond its tolerance limits.
Where does gråtungelav live?
gråtungelav occurs in Algeria, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, and Brazil (plus 22 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to gråtungelav?
The main threats to gråtungelav 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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