Pyrenula macrospora
EN

Pyrenula macrospora

Local name: storsporet pærelav

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Pyrenula macrospora faces severe decline due to air pollution and acid rain, which directly damage its sensitive thallus structure and disrupt the chemical balance required for photosynthesis. Urban development and industrial activities have eliminated many of its traditional host trees, particularly old-growth deciduous species with suitable bark chemistry. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperature extremes that stress this moisture-dependent lichen.

Threat summary

Habitat

This crustose lichen grows exclusively on the bark of mature deciduous trees, particularly favoring species with smooth, slightly alkaline bark such as beech, maple, and ash. It requires humid, sheltered forest environments with minimal air pollution and stable microclimatic conditions.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Pyrenulaceae

Wart LichenEN

Wart Lichen

Pyrenula nitida

Unknown
Pyrenula occidentalisCR

Pyrenula occidentalis

Unknown
Pyrenula nitidellaEN

Pyrenula nitidella

Unknown
CR

Pyrenula coryli

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is storsporet pærelav classified as Endangered?
storsporet pærelav 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. Pyrenula macrospora faces severe decline due to air pollution and acid rain, which directly damage its sensitive thallus structure and disrupt the chemical balance required for photosynthesis. Urban development and industrial activities have eliminated many of its traditional host trees, particularly old-growth deciduous species with suitable bark chemistry. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperature extremes that stress this moisture-dependent lichen.
Where does storsporet pærelav live?
storsporet pærelav 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 storsporet pærelav?
The main threats to storsporet pærelav 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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