Styx Black-footed Reindeer Lichen
EN

Styx Black-footed Reindeer Lichen

Cladonia stygia

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Cladonia stygia faces severe decline from atmospheric pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, which alter the chemical composition of its substrate and disrupt its slow-growing symbiotic relationship. Climate change compounds these pressures by increasing temperature and humidity fluctuations that exceed the species' narrow tolerance range. Habitat fragmentation from infrastructure development further isolates remaining populations, preventing genetic exchange and reducing resilience to environmental stressors.

Threat summary

Habitat

This lichen species inhabits arctic and subarctic tundra environments, growing on acidic soils and rock surfaces in areas with minimal human disturbance. It requires specific microclimate conditions with consistent moisture levels and clean air quality, typically found in remote northern regions with stable permafrost conditions.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Cladoniaceae

Star-tipped Reindeer LichenEN

Star-tipped Reindeer Lichen

Cladonia stellaris

Unknown
Cladonia subcervicornisVU

Cladonia subcervicornis

Unknown
VU

Humble Pixie-cup Lichen

Cladonia humilis

Unknown
Felt Horn LichenVU

Felt Horn Lichen

Cladonia phyllophora

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Styx Black-footed Reindeer Lichen classified as Endangered?
Styx Black-footed 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. Cladonia stygia faces severe decline from atmospheric pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, which alter the chemical composition of its substrate and disrupt its slow-growing symbiotic relationship. Climate change compounds these pressures by increasing temperature and humidity fluctuations that exceed the species' narrow tolerance range. Habitat fragmentation from infrastructure development further isolates remaining populations, preventing genetic exchange and reducing resilience to environmental stressors.
Where does Styx Black-footed Reindeer Lichen live?
Styx Black-footed 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 Styx Black-footed Reindeer Lichen?
The main threats to Styx Black-footed 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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