EN

Appalachian Matchsticks

Pilophorus fibula

Declining

Overview

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

Pilophorus fibula faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range. The species' specialized ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, with fragmented populations showing reduced genetic diversity and reproductive success. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the microhabitat conditions essential for this lichen's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Pilophorus fibula typically grows on acidic bark of deciduous trees and occasionally on wooden substrates in temperate forests. The species requires specific humidity levels and air quality conditions, making it sensitive to environmental disturbances in its woodland habitats.

Other threatened species in CLADONIACEAE

EN

Gymnoderma insulare

Declining
VU

Rock Gnome Lichen

Cetradonia linearis

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EN

Mid-Atlantic Comb-over

Cladonia submitis

Declining
Florida Perforate Reindeer LichenEN

Florida Perforate Reindeer Lichen

Cladonia perforata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Appalachian Matchsticks classified as Endangered?
Appalachian Matchsticks 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. Pilophorus fibula faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range. The species' specialized ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, with fragmented populations showing reduced genetic diversity and reproductive success. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the microhabitat conditions essential for this lichen's survival.
Where does Appalachian Matchsticks live?
Appalachian Matchsticks 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 Appalachian Matchsticks?
The main threats to Appalachian Matchsticks 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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