Leproplaca proteus
CR

Leproplaca proteus

Local name: härjedalsorangelav

Unknown

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

Härjedalsorangelav (Leproplaca proteus) is a crustose lichen species with distinctive orange to yellow-orange thalli that forms thin, crusty patches on rock surfaces. This specialized lichen plays an important ecological role in primary succession and nutrient cycling in harsh alpine environments, contributing to soil formation through slow weathering of its rocky substrates.

Härjedalsorangelav (Leproplaca proteus) is critically endangered primarily due to its extremely limited distribution and vulnerability to habitat degradation. This lichen species faces severe threats from air pollution, climate change effects on its specialized substrate requirements, and potential habitat loss from human activities in its restricted range.

Threat summary

Habitat

Härjedalsorangelav occurs exclusively on exposed siliceous rock faces and boulder surfaces in high-altitude alpine environments of Scandinavia. It typically colonizes south-facing cliff faces and rocky outcrops between 800-1400 meters elevation, where it experiences extreme temperature fluctuations and intense UV radiation.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Xanthomendoza oregana

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Solitaria chrysophthalmaCR

Solitaria chrysophthalma

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Frequently asked questions

Why is härjedalsorangelav classified as Critically Endangered?
härjedalsorangelav is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Härjedalsorangelav (Leproplaca proteus) is critically endangered primarily due to its extremely limited distribution and vulnerability to habitat degradation. This lichen species faces severe threats from air pollution, climate change effects on its specialized substrate requirements, and potential habitat loss from human activities in its restricted range.
Where does härjedalsorangelav live?
härjedalsorangelav 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 härjedalsorangelav?
The main threats to härjedalsorangelav 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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