Chocolate Spackle
VU

Chocolate Spackle

Staurothele areolata

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Staurothele areolata faces severe pressure from air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter the chemical composition of its substrate. Urban development and quarrying activities destroy the specific calcareous rock surfaces this lichen requires. Climate change poses additional stress through altered precipitation patterns and temperature fluctuations that affect the delicate moisture balance essential for this species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This crustose lichen grows exclusively on calcareous rocks and limestone surfaces in exposed to semi-shaded locations. It typically occurs on vertical or overhanging rock faces in coastal areas, quarries, and natural limestone outcrops where it forms distinctive areolate crusts.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Verrucariaceae

EN

Agonimia allobata

Unknown
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Wahlenbergiella mucosa

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Muellerella hospitansCR

Muellerella hospitans

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Elf Ears LichenEN

Elf Ears Lichen

Normandina pulchella

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Chocolate Spackle classified as Vulnerable?
Chocolate Spackle 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. Staurothele areolata faces severe pressure from air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter the chemical composition of its substrate. Urban development and quarrying activities destroy the specific calcareous rock surfaces this lichen requires. Climate change poses additional stress through altered precipitation patterns and temperature fluctuations that affect the delicate moisture balance essential for this species' survival.
Where does Chocolate Spackle live?
Chocolate Spackle 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 Chocolate Spackle?
The main threats to Chocolate Spackle 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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