Lichenoconium pyxidatae
VU

Lichenoconium pyxidatae

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Lichenoconium pyxidatae faces significant threats from air pollution and acid rain, which degrade the lichen hosts it depends upon for survival. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature fluctuations that affect both the fungus and its lichen substrates. Habitat fragmentation in areas with suitable lichen communities further restricts available colonization sites for this specialized parasitic fungus.

Threat summary

Habitat

This specialized fungus inhabits areas with abundant lichen communities, particularly those supporting Cladonia pyxidata and related cup lichens. It is typically found in temperate forests, heathlands, and other environments where its specific lichen hosts can establish and maintain stable populations.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Threatened in Austria

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown
VU

Large Tree-chernes

Dendrochernes cyrneus

Unknown
EN

Pipizella nigriana

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lichenoconium pyxidatae classified as Vulnerable?
Lichenoconium pyxidatae 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. Lichenoconium pyxidatae faces significant threats from air pollution and acid rain, which degrade the lichen hosts it depends upon for survival. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature fluctuations that affect both the fungus and its lichen substrates. Habitat fragmentation in areas with suitable lichen communities further restricts available colonization sites for this specialized parasitic fungus.
Where does Lichenoconium pyxidatae live?
Lichenoconium pyxidatae occurs in Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, and Denmark (plus 17 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Lichenoconium pyxidatae?
The main threats to Lichenoconium pyxidatae 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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