Buellia asterella
CR

Buellia asterella

Declining

Photo: (c) Annie Evankow, einige Rechte vorbehalten (CC BY), hochgeladen von Annie Evankow

Overview

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

Buellia asterella faces severe threats from air pollution and acid rain, which directly damage its thallus and disrupt the delicate chemical balance required for photosynthesis. Urban development and industrial activities have eliminated much of its suitable substrate, while climate change alters the specific humidity and temperature conditions this lichen requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This crustose lichen grows on calcareous rocks and concrete surfaces in urban and semi-urban environments. It requires specific pH conditions and moderate air quality, typically found on walls, monuments, and limestone outcrops in areas with reduced industrial pollution.

Rocky areas· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Buellia asterella classified as Critically Endangered?
Buellia asterella 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. Buellia asterella faces severe threats from air pollution and acid rain, which directly damage its thallus and disrupt the delicate chemical balance required for photosynthesis. Urban development and industrial activities have eliminated much of its suitable substrate, while climate change alters the specific humidity and temperature conditions this lichen requires for survival.
Where does Buellia asterella live?
Buellia asterella occurs in India, Italy, and Norway. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Buellia asterella?
The main threats to Buellia asterella are 2.1, 9.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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