Ciliate strap-lichen  (Heterodermia leucomela)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Threats

The causes of the decline of the ciliate strap-lichen in Great Britain are thought to be over-collecting, air pollution, fires, and trampling (4). Competition with scrub and coarse vegetation is also a threat (3).

Conservation

This lichen is a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The Species Action Plan aims to maintain and, where possible, enhance the known populations (3). All current populations receive a degree of protection, as they occur in Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) (6), and the species is afforded special protection by Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (3). The lead partner responsible for this species is the wild plant conservation charity Plantlife, which has included ciliate strap-lichen on its 'Back from the Brink' programme (8).

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan for this species is available at UK BAP.
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