EN

Lichenomphalia aurantiaca

Unknown

Overview

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

Lichenomphalia aurantiaca faces severe threats from habitat degradation and climate change affecting its specialized lichen-fungal symbiotic relationship. The species is particularly vulnerable to air pollution and atmospheric nitrogen deposition, which disrupts the delicate chemical balance required for its dual nature as both lichen and mushroom. Fragmentation of old-growth forest habitats has reduced available substrate and created microclimatic changes that threaten population viability.

Threat summary

Habitat

This unique lichenized fungus inhabits the bark and decaying wood of coniferous trees in old-growth boreal and montane forests. It requires specific moisture conditions and clean air quality to maintain its complex symbiotic relationship with algal partners.

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EN

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Lichenomphalia aurantiaca classified as Endangered?
Lichenomphalia aurantiaca is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Lichenomphalia aurantiaca faces severe threats from habitat degradation and climate change affecting its specialized lichen-fungal symbiotic relationship. The species is particularly vulnerable to air pollution and atmospheric nitrogen deposition, which disrupts the delicate chemical balance required for its dual nature as both lichen and mushroom. Fragmentation of old-growth forest habitats has reduced available substrate and created microclimatic changes that threaten population viability.
Where does Lichenomphalia aurantiaca live?
Lichenomphalia aurantiaca occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Lichenomphalia aurantiaca?
The main threats to Lichenomphalia aurantiaca 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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