Physconia Subpallida, Pale-Belly Frost Lichen

Home , Ostrya virginiana, Physciaceae, Physconia, Teloschistales

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ ISSN 2307-8235 (online) IUCN 2020: T80703034A80703037 Scope(s): Global Language: English

Physconia subpallida, Pale-belly Frost Lichen

Assessment by: McMullin, T., Allen, J. & Lendemer, J.

View on www.iucnredlist.org

Citation: McMullin, T., Allen, J. & Lendemer, J. 2020. Physconia subpallida. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T80703034A80703037. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020- 3.RLTS.T80703034A80703037.en

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THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™ Taxonomy

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family

Fungi Ascomycota Lecanoromycetes Teloschistales Physciaceae

Scientific Name: Physconia subpallida Essl.

Common Name(s): • English: Pale-belly Frost Lichen Assessment Information

Red List Category & Criteria: Endangered B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v); C2a(i) ver 3.1

Year Published: 2020

Date Assessed: August 3, 2020

Justification: Physconia subpallida occurs in severely fragmented locations throughout eastern North America. Its Extent of Occurrence, Area of Occupancy, and extant and quality of its habitat have declined substantially over the past century due to widespread logging, air pollution, and development. Now, there are fewer than 2,500 individuals left (total population size estimated at 400 mature individuals) after substantial declines, and most subpopulations are very small, consisting of 1-5 individuals, with the largest subpopulation consisting of fewer that 250 mature individuals. The habitat for this species is now very limited throughout its range as it appears to require old-growth deciduous forests, which are rare and fragmented throughout its core range in south-eastern Ontario (Henry and Quinby 2010, McMullin 2015, McMullin et al. 2016, Allen and McMullin 2019). The total Area of Occupancy [AOO] is estimated to be very small, with the known AOO only 260 km2, up to a potential maximum of 324 km2. Therefore, this species is Endangered, B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v); C2a(i). Geographic Range

Range Description: Physconia subpallida is endemic to the Appalachian Mountains, Great Lakes region, and Ozark Highlands of eastern North America (Esslinger 1994, McMullin 2015, McMullin et al. 2016, Allen and McMullin 2019, CNALH 2020). It has a wide-pread but scattered distribution and is rarely encountered (McMullin 2015, CNALH 2020).

Country Occurrence: Native, Extant (resident): Canada (Ontario, Québec); United States (Alabama, Illinois, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin)

Native, Possibly Extinct: United States (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Vermont)

© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Physconia subpallida – published in 2020. 1 https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T80703034A80703037.en Population In 2009, 27 sites were known throughout its range, but only four were thought to be extant, two in Canada and two in the U.S.A. (COSEWIC 2009). Since 2009, the number of sites know has increased to c. 80, with c. 50 thought to be extant (McMullin 2015, McMullin et al. 2016, Allen and McMullin 2019, CNALH 2020). Despite intensive lichenological exploration throughout north-eastern North America, Physconia subpallida is rarely reported. Fewer than 400 individuals are known (McMullin 2015, McMullin et al. 2016, Allen and McMullin 2019, CNALH 2020).Demographic studies are needed to assess and monitor the sizes of remaining populations. Study of an extant population in Ontario has shown it to be stable since 2004, however many of the locations are known only from historical occurrences. Studies of herbarium vouchers have shown that the size of individuals and frequency of fruiting bodies has decreased over time. As such, we classify the population trends as decreasing. The only known region where this species is somewhat frequent is a c. 200 km2 area in south-eastern Ontario. Current Population Trend: Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology (see Appendix for additional information) The species typically colonises old deciduous dominated forests with low stem density and a sparsely vegetated understorey (McMullin 2015, McMullin et al. 2016). Most Canadian sites are in close proximity to water bodies, which helps maintain high and sustained relative humidity (COSEWIC 2009, McMullin 2015). Thalli at these sites usually occur in sheltered parts of the forest, where wind and light are limited on tree boles between 0.5 and 3 meters from ground level (McMullin 2015). Most extant individuals are on mature Ostrya virginiana with flaking bark, but it is also on Fraxinus, Populus, and Quercus (COSEWIC 2009, McMullin 2015, McMullin et al. 2016). Historical collections of Physconia subpallida are also on Juglans nigra, Ulmus, wood, and rock (COSEWIC 2009).

Systems: Terrestrial

Use and Trade Specimen collection is a potential threat to this species.

Threats (see Appendix for additional information) The widespread decline of Physconia subpallida is likely due to the large-scale loss of habitat from development, agriculture, and forestry, as well as air pollution. These pressures continue today, particularly from air pollution created by on-going development near extant sites, while the species is also impacted by harvesting. For example, the site with the highest number of known individuals (71), Calabogie Peaks (Lewis 2011), was harvested in 2019 and a considerable number of individuals were lost. Individuals on private land are particularly vulnerable to harvesting.

Conservation Actions (see Appendix for additional information) Allen and McMullin (2019) developed predictive models for suitable habitat for Physconia subpallida in south-eastern Ontario that resulted in the discovery of 37 new individuals. The development of models for suitable habitat in other parts of is range, followed by surveys, are recommended. All extant sites should be monitored for evidence of decline, and demographic studies are needed to assess and monitor the sizes of remaining populations. Education about this species, including identification

© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Physconia subpallida – published in 2020. 2 https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T80703034A80703037.en training, should be provided. In regions where this species in known to occur, harvesting of trees from suitable habitat should not be carried out. Physconia subpallida should also be legally protected in the United States, where it is least abundant, and a recovery strategy that is similar to the one implemented in Ontario and Canada should be developed (Environment Canada 2015, Lewis 2011). Urgent action is necessary for the preservation of this species. Credits

Assessor(s): McMullin, T., Allen, J. & Lendemer, J.

Reviewer(s): Stone, D.

Facilitator(s) and Bishop, G. & Allen, J. Compiler(s):

© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Physconia subpallida – published in 2020. 3 https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T80703034A80703037.en Bibliography Allen, J.L. and McMullin, R.T. 2019. Modeling algorithm influence o n the success of predicting new populations of rare species: Ground - proofing models for the Pale - Belly Frost Lichen (Physconia subpallida) in Ontario. Biodiversity and Conservation 28: 1853 – 1862.

CNALH. 2020. Consortium of North American Lichen Herbaria. Available at: https://lichenportal.org/cnalh/ . (Accessed: 18 May).

COSEWIC. 2009. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Pale-bellied Frost Lichen Physconia subpallida in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa, ON.

Environment Canada. 2015. Recovery Strategy for the Pale-bellied Frost Lichen (Physconia subpallida) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Ottawa.

Esslinger, T.L. 1994. New species and new combinations in the lichen genus Physconia in North America. Mycotaxon 51: 91-99.

Government of Canada. 2020. Species At Risk Act.

Government of Ontario. 2015. Pale-bellied frost lichen.

Henry, M. and Quinby, P. 2010. Ontario's Old-growth Forests. A Guidebook Complete with History, ecology and Maps. Fitzhenry and Whiteside Limited, Markham, Ontario.

IUCN. 2020. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2020-3. Available at: www.iucnredlist.org. (Accessed: 10 December 2020).

Lewis , C.L. 2011. Recovery Strategy for the Pale - bellied Frost Lichen (Physconia subpallida) in Ontario. Ontario Recovery Strategy Series. Prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

McMullin, R.T. 2015. A review of Physconia subpallida in Canada. Opuscula Philolichenum 14: 109-115.

McMullin, R.T., Allen, J.L. and Pagé, J.P. 2016. Physconia subpallida new to Québec, from Gatineau Park. Opuscula Philolichenum 15: 92-104.

Citation McMullin, T., Allen, J. & Lendemer, J. 2020. Physconia subpallida. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T80703034A80703037. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020- 3.RLTS.T80703034A80703037.en

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Habitats (http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

Major Season Suitability Habitat Importance? 1. Forest -> 1.4. Forest - Temperate Resident Suitable Yes

Plant Growth Forms (http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

Plant Growth Form LC. Lichen

M. Fungus

Use and Trade (http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

End Use Local National International Sport hunting/specimen collecting No Yes No

Threats (http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

Threat Timing Scope Severity Impact Score 1. Residential & commercial development -> 1.1. Ongoing Majority (50- Rapid declines Medium Housing & urban areas 90%) impact: 7 Stresses: 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality 2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance 2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.1. Annual & Ongoing - - Low impact: 3 perennial non-timber crops -> 2.1.4. Scale Unknown/Unrecorded Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation 5. Biological resource use -> 5.2. Gathering terrestrial Ongoing Majority (50- Rapid declines Medium plants -> 5.2.1. Intentional use (species is the target) 90%) impact: 7 Stresses: 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality 2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance 5. Biological resource use -> 5.3. Logging & wood Ongoing Majority (50- Slow, significant Medium harvesting -> 5.3.4. Unintentional effects: (large 90%) declines impact: 6 scale) [harvest] Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion

© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Physconia subpallida – published in 2020. 5 https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T80703034A80703037.en 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality 2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance 9. Pollution -> 9.5. Air-borne pollutants -> 9.5.1. Acid Ongoing Majority (50- Slow, significant Medium rain 90%) declines impact: 6 Stresses: 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality 9. Pollution -> 9.5. Air-borne pollutants -> 9.5.2. Ongoing Majority (50- Slow, significant Medium Smog 90%) declines impact: 6 Stresses: 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality

Conservation Actions in Place (http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

Conservation Action in Place In-place research and monitoring

Action Recovery Plan: No

Systematic monitoring scheme: No

In-place land/water protection

Conservation sites identified: Yes, over entire range

Area based regional management plan: No

Occurs in at least one protected area: Yes

Conservation Actions Needed (http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

Conservation Action Needed 1. Land/water protection -> 1.1. Site/area protection

1. Land/water protection -> 1.2. Resource & habitat protection

2. Land/water management -> 2.1. Site/area management

2. Land/water management -> 2.3. Habitat & natural process restoration

3. Species management -> 3.2. Species recovery

4. Education & awareness -> 4.1. Formal education

4. Education & awareness -> 4.2. Training

4. Education & awareness -> 4.3. Awareness & communications

5. Law & policy -> 5.1. Legislation -> 5.1.2. National level

Research Needed (http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Physconia subpallida – published in 2020. 6 https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T80703034A80703037.en Research Needed 1. Research -> 1.2. Population size, distribution & trends

1. Research -> 1.3. Life history & ecology

1. Research -> 1.5. Threats

1. Research -> 1.6. Actions

2. Conservation Planning -> 2.1. Species Action/Recovery Plan

2. Conservation Planning -> 2.2. Area-based Management Plan

3. Monitoring -> 3.1. Population trends

3. Monitoring -> 3.4. Habitat trends

Additional Data Fields

Distribution Estimated area of occupancy (AOO) (km²): 260-324

Continuing decline in area of occupancy (AOO): Yes

Extreme fluctuations in area of occupancy (AOO): No

Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) (km²): 1856696

Continuing decline in extent of occurrence (EOO): Yes

Extreme fluctuations in extent of occurrence (EOO): No

Number of Locations: 50

Continuing decline in number of locations: Yes

Extreme fluctuations in the number of locations: No

Population Number of mature individuals: 400

Continuing decline of mature individuals: Yes

Extreme fluctuations: No

Population severely fragmented: Yes

No. of subpopulations: 50

Continuing decline in subpopulations: Yes

Extreme fluctuations in subpopulations: No

All individuals in one subpopulation: No

No. of individuals in largest subpopulation: 71

© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Physconia subpallida – published in 2020. 7 https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T80703034A80703037.en Habitats and Ecology Continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat: Yes

Generation Length (years): 33

© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Physconia subpallida – published in 2020. 8 https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T80703034A80703037.en The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ ISSN 2307-8235 (online) IUCN 2020: T80703034A80703037 Scope(s): Global Language: English

The IUCN Red List Partnership

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed by the IUCN Global Species Programme, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership.

The IUCN Red List Partners are: Arizona State University; BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; Conservation International; NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Sapienza University of Rome; Texas A&M University; and Zoological Society of London.

THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™