Salted Ruffle Lichen
VU

Salted Ruffle Lichen

Parmotrema crinitum

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Parmotrema crinitum faces severe decline from air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter its substrate chemistry and disrupt symbiotic relationships. Urban expansion and industrial development have eliminated many suitable host trees, while climate change creates increasingly unsuitable microclimatic conditions for this pollution-sensitive species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic lichen grows on the bark of deciduous and coniferous trees in temperate forests, particularly favoring mature trees with stable bark chemistry. It requires clean air environments and is typically found in undisturbed forest ecosystems away from urban pollution sources.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Parmeliaceae

VU

Grynet kvistlav

Hypogymnia farinacea

Unknown
VU

Punctelia jeckeri

Unknown
VU

Teer baardmos

Usnea fragilescens

Unknown
VU

Oldgrowth Rag Lichen

Platismatia norvegica

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Salted Ruffle Lichen classified as Vulnerable?
Salted Ruffle 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. Parmotrema crinitum faces severe decline from air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter its substrate chemistry and disrupt symbiotic relationships. Urban expansion and industrial development have eliminated many suitable host trees, while climate change creates increasingly unsuitable microclimatic conditions for this pollution-sensitive species.
Where does Salted Ruffle Lichen live?
Salted Ruffle 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 Salted Ruffle Lichen?
The main threats to Salted Ruffle 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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