Split-peg Soldiers Lichen
EN

Split-peg Soldiers Lichen

Cladonia cariosa

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Split-peg Soldiers Lichen faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter soil chemistry and disrupt the delicate pH balance required for lichen survival. Habitat fragmentation from urban development and agricultural expansion has eliminated many suitable sites, while climate change is shifting precipitation patterns and increasing temperature extremes beyond the species' tolerance range. Trampling and disturbance from recreational activities further threaten remaining populations in accessible areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

Split-peg Soldiers Lichen grows on acidic soils in open heathlands, moorlands, and sandy grasslands, typically in areas with low nutrient levels and minimal disturbance. The species requires specific microclimate conditions with moderate moisture levels and clean air quality to support its slow growth and reproduction.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Cladoniaceae

Star-tipped Reindeer LichenEN

Star-tipped Reindeer Lichen

Cladonia stellaris

Unknown
Cladonia subcervicornisVU

Cladonia subcervicornis

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VU

Humble Pixie-cup Lichen

Cladonia humilis

Unknown
Felt Horn LichenVU

Felt Horn Lichen

Cladonia phyllophora

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Split-peg Soldiers Lichen classified as Endangered?
Split-peg Soldiers 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. Split-peg Soldiers Lichen faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter soil chemistry and disrupt the delicate pH balance required for lichen survival. Habitat fragmentation from urban development and agricultural expansion has eliminated many suitable sites, while climate change is shifting precipitation patterns and increasing temperature extremes beyond the species' tolerance range. Trampling and disturbance from recreational activities further threaten remaining populations in accessible areas.
Where does Split-peg Soldiers Lichen live?
Split-peg Soldiers 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 Split-peg Soldiers Lichen?
The main threats to Split-peg Soldiers 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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