VU

Greater Tundra Owl Lichen

Solorina octospora

Unknown

Overview

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

Solorina octospora faces significant pressure from climate change, as this arctic-alpine lichen is highly sensitive to temperature increases that alter its specialized high-elevation habitats. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition, degrades the pristine environments this species requires. Habitat fragmentation from infrastructure development in mountain regions further isolates already small populations, reducing genetic diversity and resilience.

Threat summary

Habitat

This large foliose lichen inhabits arctic and alpine environments, typically growing on soil, moss, and rock surfaces in exposed, windswept locations above the treeline. It thrives in cold, pristine habitats with minimal human disturbance, often found in association with other specialized arctic-alpine flora.

Other threatened species in Peltigeraceae

Ruffled Freckled Pelt LichenCR

Ruffled Freckled Pelt Lichen

Peltigera leucophlebia

Unknown
Bluish dog-lichenCR

Bluish dog-lichen

Peltigera degenii

Unknown
Common Chocolate Chip LichenCR

Common Chocolate Chip Lichen

Solorina saccata

Unknown
Horizontal Pelt LichenEN

Horizontal Pelt Lichen

Peltigera horizontalis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Greater Tundra Owl Lichen classified as Vulnerable?
Greater Tundra Owl 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. Solorina octospora faces significant pressure from climate change, as this arctic-alpine lichen is highly sensitive to temperature increases that alter its specialized high-elevation habitats. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition, degrades the pristine environments this species requires. Habitat fragmentation from infrastructure development in mountain regions further isolates already small populations, reducing genetic diversity and resilience.
Where does Greater Tundra Owl Lichen live?
Greater Tundra Owl 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 Greater Tundra Owl Lichen?
The main threats to Greater Tundra Owl 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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