VU

tornflekklav

Arthonia ilicina

Unknown

Overview

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

Arthonia ilicina faces significant pressure from air pollution and acid rain, which alter the bark chemistry of its host trees and reduce lichen diversity. Urban development and forest fragmentation have eliminated many suitable host trees, particularly mature holly specimens that provide the specific bark conditions this lichen requires. Climate change compounds these threats by altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperature stress on both the lichen and its host trees.

Threat summary

Habitat

This crustose lichen grows exclusively on the smooth bark of holly trees (Ilex species) and occasionally other broad-leaved trees in temperate forests and woodland edges. It requires specific microclimate conditions with moderate humidity and limited direct sunlight, typically found in mature forest understories and sheltered woodland margins.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Arthoniaceae

WitkringCR

Witkring

Sporodophoron cretaceum

Unknown
VU

twijgvlekje

Arthonia punctiformis

Unknown
Arthonia vinosaVU

Arthonia vinosa

Unknown
VU

stjerneflekklav

Arthonia stellaris

Unknown

Threatened in Argentina

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
CR

Phlebopus bruchii

Declining
CR

Trichomycterus ramosus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is tornflekklav classified as Vulnerable?
tornflekklav 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. Arthonia ilicina faces significant pressure from air pollution and acid rain, which alter the bark chemistry of its host trees and reduce lichen diversity. Urban development and forest fragmentation have eliminated many suitable host trees, particularly mature holly specimens that provide the specific bark conditions this lichen requires. Climate change compounds these threats by altering precipitation patterns and increasing temperature stress on both the lichen and its host trees.
Where does tornflekklav live?
tornflekklav occurs in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, and Colombia (plus 15 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to tornflekklav?
The main threats to tornflekklav 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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