Lichen  (Teloschistes chrysopthalmus)

Threats

The decline in the range of this species is thought to be the result of air pollution, the loss of old orchards and hedgerows, and the use of fertilisers (3). The hawthorn bush on which the species lived on at the last known Devon site was removed in order to widen a footpath at the site (3). A further potential threat is botanical collecting (3).

Conservation

As a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species, Teloschistes chrysophthalmus has a Species Action Plan, which guides conservation efforts. Plantlife, the wild plant conservation charity is the 'lead partner' for this lichen, and has included the species in its 'Back from the Brink' campaign. The Action Plan aims to maintain and enhance any re-discovered populations, and if possible, to reinstate the species at two former sites by the year 2005 (3).

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