Yellow Ribbon Lichen
Usnocetraria oakesiana
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usnocetraria_oakesiana
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Lecanoromycetes
Order
Lecanorales
Family
Parmeliaceae
Genus
Usnocetraria
Yellow Ribbon Lichen belongs to the family Parmeliaceae, order Lecanorales, within the Lecanoromycetes class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Yellow Ribbon Lichen faces severe threats from air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds, which dramatically alter the chemical composition of its substrate and surrounding environment. Climate change is causing shifts in temperature and humidity patterns that disrupt the delicate balance this species requires for survival. Habitat loss through deforestation and urban development has eliminated many suitable locations where this lichen historically occurred.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This lichen species typically grows on the bark of old-growth coniferous trees, particularly in cool, humid montane and boreal forests with minimal air pollution. It requires specific microclimate conditions with consistent moisture levels and clean air quality found in undisturbed forest ecosystems.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Yellow Ribbon Lichen faces severe threats from air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds, which dramatically alter the chemical composition of its substrate and surrounding environment. Climate change is causing shifts in temperature and humidity patterns that disrupt the delicate balance this species requires for survival. Habitat loss through deforestation and urban development has eliminated many suitable locations where this lichen historically occurred.
Air pollution and nitrogen deposition
Climate change altering temperature and humidity patterns
Habitat loss from deforestation and development
Acid rain degrading substrate quality
Collection pressure for scientific and commercial purposes
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Yellow Ribbon Lichen (Usnocetraria oakesiana). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/yellow-ribbon-lichen