Rock-loving Map Lichen
VU

Rock-loving Map Lichen

Rhizocarpon petraeum

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Rock-loving Map Lichen faces significant threats from air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, which alter the chemical composition of its rocky substrates and disrupt its slow-growing symbiotic relationship. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature extremes that affect the delicate moisture balance required for photosynthesis and growth. Habitat degradation from quarrying, construction, and recreational activities directly destroys the specific rock surfaces this species requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This crustose lichen grows exclusively on siliceous rocks, particularly granite, quartzite, and other acidic stone surfaces in montane and subalpine environments. It typically colonizes exposed rock faces, boulder fields, and cliff surfaces where it forms distinctive map-like patterns of black lines on pale gray-green thalli.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Rhizocarpaceae

VU

Smooth Map Lichen

Rhizocarpon hochstetteri

Unknown
gul hattlavssnyltareCR

gul hattlavssnyltare

Epilichen scabrosus

Unknown
Kalk-landkortlavCR

Kalk-landkortlav

Rhizocarpon umbilicatum

Unknown
tosporet skjoldkartlavCR

tosporet skjoldkartlav

Rhizocarpon bolanderi

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Rock-loving Map Lichen classified as Vulnerable?
Rock-loving Map Lichen 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. Rock-loving Map Lichen faces significant threats from air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, which alter the chemical composition of its rocky substrates and disrupt its slow-growing symbiotic relationship. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature extremes that affect the delicate moisture balance required for photosynthesis and growth. Habitat degradation from quarrying, construction, and recreational activities directly destroys the specific rock surfaces this species requires for survival.
Where does Rock-loving Map Lichen live?
Rock-loving Map 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 Rock-loving Map Lichen?
The main threats to Rock-loving Map 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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