Golden hair lichen  (Teloschistes flavicans)

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

Threats

This species is known to be extremely sensitive to sulphur dioxide air pollution (8). Other possible threats include extended dry periods and trampling (8), eutrophication, in particular excess air-bourne ammonia resulting from applications of slurry (9), as well as loss of suitable habitat caused by excessive growth of ivy on hedgerow trees (9).

Conservation

Although the golden hair lichen is not a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species, English Nature's Species Recovery Programme has carried out surveys of the species (3). Furthermore, the Countryside Council for Wales has carried out survey and monitoring work on this lichen (3), including an assessment of the health of populations after the Sea Empress oil spill (8). This lichen also receives special protection under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.
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