Star-tipped Reindeer Lichen
EN

Star-tipped Reindeer Lichen

Cladonia stellaris

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Star-tipped Reindeer Lichen faces severe decline from atmospheric pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, which alter soil chemistry and favor competing vegetation. Climate change compounds these pressures by shifting temperature and precipitation patterns beyond the species' tolerance range. Overgrazing by reindeer and caribou in some regions further reduces population stability, while habitat fragmentation from infrastructure development isolates remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Star-tipped Reindeer Lichen grows in arctic and subarctic tundra, forming extensive carpets on well-drained acidic soils and exposed mineral substrates. It thrives in open, windswept areas with minimal snow cover and is particularly abundant in reindeer pastures and alpine heath communities.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Cladoniaceae

Cladonia subcervicornisVU

Cladonia subcervicornis

Unknown
VU

Humble Pixie-cup Lichen

Cladonia humilis

Unknown
Felt Horn LichenVU

Felt Horn Lichen

Cladonia phyllophora

Unknown
Cladonia symphycarpaCR

Cladonia symphycarpa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Star-tipped Reindeer Lichen classified as Endangered?
Star-tipped Reindeer 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. Star-tipped Reindeer Lichen faces severe decline from atmospheric pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, which alter soil chemistry and favor competing vegetation. Climate change compounds these pressures by shifting temperature and precipitation patterns beyond the species' tolerance range. Overgrazing by reindeer and caribou in some regions further reduces population stability, while habitat fragmentation from infrastructure development isolates remaining populations.
Where does Star-tipped Reindeer Lichen live?
Star-tipped Reindeer 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 Star-tipped Reindeer Lichen?
The main threats to Star-tipped Reindeer 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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