Boreal felt lichen (Erioderma pedicellatum)

Species information

Boreal felt lichen mature specimen on branch

Facts

Kingdom	Fungi
Phylum	Ascomycota
Class	Ascomycetes
Order	Lecanorales
Family	Pannariaceae
Genus	Erioderma(1)

Status

Classified as Critically Endangered under IUCN Red List categories (1).

Description

This extremely rare lichen is slate-coloured and is curled and white at the edges (2). It is a leafy, petal-shaped lichen that is seen growing on the bark of certain trees (2).

Range

Previously known from both northern Europe in Norway and Sweden, and the Atlantic coast of North America (3). Today, European populations are thought to be extinct and the species persists only on the Avalon Peninsula and the southwest coast of Newfoundland, Canada (1).

Habitat

Inhabits old-growth coniferous forests, associated with the trunks of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) in Canada and on the twigs of Pecea abies in Europe (1). Constant moisture providing a humid climate is a necessary requirement for this species (2).

Biology

Lichens consist of two different organisms, a 'mycobiont' (a fungus) and a 'phycobiont' (either an alga, which is a simple plant, or a cyanobacterium, a bacteria that can photosynthesise), which live together in a symbiotic association (4). The phycobiont in boreal felt lichen is a cyanobacteria, and this lichen is likely to be extremely susceptible to atmospheric pollution (3).

Threats

The loss of habitat appears to have been the main cause of the disappearance of this species from Europe and continues to threaten surviving populations today (2). In addition to removing lichen substrate, logging also alters the microclimate of the forest, a factor to which boreal felt lichen is particularly susceptible (3).

Conservation

Boreal felt lichen occurs within the Avondale Wilderness, which is recognised as a Lichen Forest of International Significance (2). In-situ conservation measures have been adopted, involving the transplantation of live specimens to protected areas within Salmonier Nature Park, Newfoundland, Canada, in a last-ditch attempt to safeguard the future of this rare lichen (5).

Further Information

NatureServe Explorer:
http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Erioderma+pedicellatum

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

Alga: a collection of taxonomically unrelated groups that share some common features but are grouped together for historical reasons and for convenience. They are of simple construction, and are mainly photoautotrophic, obtaining all their energy from light and carbon dioxide, and possess the photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll A. They range in complexity from microscopic single cells to very complex plant-like forms, such as kelps. Algal groups include blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), red algae (rhodophyta), green algae (chlorophyta), brown algae and diatoms (chromista) as well as euglenophyta.
Cyanobacteria: a group of bacteria that are able to photosynthesise and contain the pigment chlorophyll. They used to be known as 'blue-green algae'. They are thought to have been the first organisms to produce oxygen; fossil cyanobacteria have been found in 3000 million year old rocks. As they are responsible for the oxygen in the atmosphere they have played an essential role in influencing the course of evolution on this planet.
Fungus: fungi are one of the taxonomic kingdoms, separate from plants and animals. They obtain nutrients by absorbing organic compounds from the surrounding environment.
In-situ: measures to conserve a species or habitat that occur inside of the natural range of the species.
Photosynthesis: metabolic process characteristic of plants in which carbon dioxide is broken down, using energy from sunlight absorbed by the green pigment chlorophyll. Organic compounds are made and oxygen is given off as a by-product.
Symbiotic: relationship in which two organisms form a close association, the term is now usually used only for associations that benefit both organisms (a mutualism).