CR

Hypotrachyna virginica

Stable

Overview

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

Hypotrachyna virginica faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter the chemical balance of its substrate. Urban development and forest fragmentation have eliminated much of its historical habitat, while climate change creates increasingly unsuitable conditions for this pollution-sensitive lichen species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This foliose lichen grows on the bark of deciduous trees, particularly in mature hardwood forests of eastern North America. It requires clean air conditions and is typically found in undisturbed forest environments with stable microclimates.

Shrubland· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroduction

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Hypotrachyna virginica classified as Critically Endangered?
Hypotrachyna virginica 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. Hypotrachyna virginica faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter the chemical balance of its substrate. Urban development and forest fragmentation have eliminated much of its historical habitat, while climate change creates increasingly unsuitable conditions for this pollution-sensitive lichen species.
Where does Hypotrachyna virginica live?
Hypotrachyna virginica occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Hypotrachyna virginica?
The main threats to Hypotrachyna virginica are 11.1, 5.3, 9.5, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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