CRCritically Endangered
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.
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
