CR

Platythecium serpentinellum

Unknown

Overview

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

Platythecium serpentinellum faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to serpentine quarrying and mining activities that directly destroy its specialized substrate. Urban development and infrastructure expansion in its limited range further fragment the already restricted populations. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the delicate moisture and temperature conditions required for this lichen's survival on serpentine outcrops.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered lichen species is endemic to serpentine rock outcrops and associated mineral-rich soils, requiring the unique chemical composition and microclimate conditions found in these specialized geological formations. It typically grows on exposed serpentine surfaces in Mediterranean-type climates where moisture levels and temperature fluctuations create optimal conditions for its survival.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Platythecium serpentinellum classified as Critically Endangered?
Platythecium serpentinellum is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Platythecium serpentinellum faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to serpentine quarrying and mining activities that directly destroy its specialized substrate. Urban development and infrastructure expansion in its limited range further fragment the already restricted populations. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the delicate moisture and temperature conditions required for this lichen's survival on serpentine outcrops.
Where does Platythecium serpentinellum live?
Platythecium serpentinellum 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 Platythecium serpentinellum?
The main threats to Platythecium serpentinellum 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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