Matt Felt Lichen
EN

Matt Felt Lichen

Peltigera malacea

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Matt Felt Lichen faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter its sensitive chemical environment. Habitat fragmentation from urban development and intensive forestry practices has reduced suitable substrate availability, while climate change is shifting precipitation patterns critical for this moisture-dependent species. The lichen's slow growth rate and specific substrate requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations are lost.

Threat summary

Habitat

Matt Felt Lichen grows on soil, moss, and decaying organic matter in humid, shaded environments including old-growth forests, woodland edges, and undisturbed grasslands. It requires stable moisture conditions and clean air quality, typically found in areas with minimal human disturbance and low pollution levels.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Peltigeraceae

Ruffled Freckled Pelt LichenCR

Ruffled Freckled Pelt Lichen

Peltigera leucophlebia

Unknown
VU

Solorina octospora

Unknown
Tree Pelt LichenCR

Tree Pelt Lichen

Peltigera collina

Unknown
Frog Pelt LichenCR

Frog Pelt Lichen

Peltigera degenii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Matt Felt Lichen classified as Endangered?
Matt Felt Lichen 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. Matt Felt Lichen faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter its sensitive chemical environment. Habitat fragmentation from urban development and intensive forestry practices has reduced suitable substrate availability, while climate change is shifting precipitation patterns critical for this moisture-dependent species. The lichen's slow growth rate and specific substrate requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations are lost.
Where does Matt Felt Lichen live?
Matt Felt Lichen 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 Matt Felt Lichen?
The main threats to Matt Felt Lichen 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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