Diorygma basinigrum (Common Name: Burnt Bottom Script Lichen) is endemic to the Everglades, an extensive tropical wetland system in southeastern North America where it is imperiled by sea-level rise and other forces.

Diorygma basinigrum is narrowly restricted to the Everglades of southern Florida, an expansive tropical wetland system in southeastern North America.

Demographic studies are needed to assess and monitor populations sizes. Our current knowledge of the species suggests that its populations are stable.

The species occurs on the bark of trees in open canopied coastal forests with high humidity and a higher light level than is typical for the forests of the region.

All known populations occur a region where there has been extensive conversion and alteration of habitats historically, particularly in nearby uplands which include densely populated urban and suburban centers. Although the known populations occur within a large national park the entire region is imperiled by sea-level rise and other habitat shifts related to sea-level rise. Additional potential threats to this species include pollution and invasive plants that may displace the existing native vegetation on which it occurs.

There are many conservation actions that can be taken including, educating and training land managers and local botanists to identify the species so we can monitor its health, federally listing the species as endangered in the United States, improving air quality regulation, and monitoring changes associated with sea-level rise. Policy and legislation considering biodiversity threatened by sea-level rise is also needed.

Further research that will aid in the conservation of this species includes population assessments and monitoring, population genetics studies, and ecological studies that incorporate threats to the species. Additionally, a species recovery plan needs to be written.

Seavey, F. & J. Seavey. 2014. Four new species and sixteen new lichen records for North America from Everglades National
Park. The Bryologist, 117(4):395-404.