Punctelia appalachensis is a distinctive macrolichen endemic to the Appalachian-Great Lakes regions of eastern North America. The AOO has declined 25% over the last three generations but it is known from more than ten locations and the population is naturally fragmented in disjunct montane habitats. The population is estimated to consists of fewer than 10,000 individuals and to have declined 26% in the last three generations.
The species was formally described by Culberson (1961) in the genus Parmelia based on collections that made since 1837. Since its description Punctelia appalachensis has been consistently recognized and treated as distinct. Due to its size and abundance in the habitats where it occurs, the species is easily recognized and included in many field guides (Brodo et al. 2001, Hinds & Hinds 2008, Tripp & 2020). While there are other sympatric Punctelia species in the they are morphologically distinct and not likely to be confused with P. appalachensis.
Punctelia appalachensis ranges across northern temperate habitats in eastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Georgia and west into the Great Lakes basin (Brodo et al. 2001). It has an Appalachian-Great Lakes biogeographic pattern and is most common in the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge ecoregions of the southeastern United States (Brodo et al. 2001).
The population size and range of Punctelia appalachensis has declined over the last three generations. The area of occurrence (AOO) has decreased 25% from 1,292 km2 historically to 968 km2 at present. While the AOO is below 2000 km2, which would meet the B2 criterion for Vulnerable there are over 10 extant locations, and while the population is naturally fragmented in disjunct high elevation elevations, it has not become heavily fragmented from anthropogenic disturbance or other habitat changes. The declines documented in the past are inferred to be continuous into the future due to ongoing loss of habitat, accelerated forest fragmentation, and decline of suitable tree species due to invasive species.
Population Trend: Decreasing
Punctelia appalachensis is a bark dwelling species found in temperate regions, occurring mostly in deciduous forests in inland northern hardwood and Appalachian hardwood forests, with a disjunction in the Great Lakes region of eastern North America (Hinds & Hinds 2008, Tripp & Lendemer 2020).
Due to the naturally fragmented and disjunct population, the largest threat to Punctelia appalachensis is loss of habitat through deforestation and forest fragmentation. Increased development of roads and housing, along with declining oak species due to increased drought conditions, invasive insects (Lymantria dispar dispar, spongy moth) and expansion of native boring insects (Red oak borer, Enaphalodes rufulus) all contribute to declining habitat and suitable substrates.
Raising awareness, education, incorporating the species into management plans, and increased site protection are all needed to conserve Punctelia appalachensis and its habitat.
Detailed population and demographic studies are needed, along with monitoring and assessment of habitat trends and potential rapid declines in suitable substrates to due impacts from native and non-native insect species.
Punctelia appalachensis is collected for scientific study and does not have any other documented uses.
Country | Trend | Redlisted |
---|