VU

Lecidea altissima

Unknown

Overview

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

Lecidea altissima faces significant threats from climate change, as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns affect the delicate moisture balance required for lichen survival in high-altitude environments. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, degrades the pristine atmospheric conditions essential for this species. Additionally, increased human activity in mountainous regions, including tourism and infrastructure development, disrupts the stable microhabitats where this lichen establishes.

Threat summary

Habitat

Lecidea altissima inhabits high-altitude rocky substrates and exposed mineral surfaces in alpine and subalpine zones, typically found on siliceous rocks and cliff faces. This crustose lichen requires pristine air quality and specific moisture conditions found in remote mountainous environments above the treeline.

Other threatened species in Lecideaceae

rosskivlavCR

rosskivlav

Lecidea roseotincta

Unknown
VU

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Porpidia hydrophila

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VU

okerblokklav

Porpidia ochrolemma

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Lecidea sarcogynoidesCR

Lecidea sarcogynoides

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lecidea altissima classified as Vulnerable?
Lecidea altissima 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. Lecidea altissima faces significant threats from climate change, as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns affect the delicate moisture balance required for lichen survival in high-altitude environments. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, degrades the pristine atmospheric conditions essential for this species. Additionally, increased human activity in mountainous regions, including tourism and infrastructure development, disrupts the stable microhabitats where this lichen establishes.
Where does Lecidea altissima live?
Lecidea altissima 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 Lecidea altissima?
The main threats to Lecidea altissima 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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