Current status
This crustose lichen is restricted to steeply sloping, sunny, acidic rocks on the coast, above high water mark. In Cornwall it is found on Serpentine rocks. Elsewhere it is found on silicious rock substrates, often near to bird-perches.
Caloplaca aractina is now restricted to one site in the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, where it was found in quite extensive patches when surveyed in 1986. It was formerly recorded from other sites on the west coast in Cumbria, Argyll and Lochaber, and there is also an old inland record from North Yorkshire, although this material needs reassessing. The reasons for the loss of this species from its former sites are unknown. It is otherwise known from the coast of western Europe and from inland southern Europe.
This species is classified as Critically Endangered in Great Britain. It receives general protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Current threats to this species are poorly understood. Scrub encroachment may be a potential threat to the population at the single known site.
Current action
The only known extant site for this species is within a NNR.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain all known populations of this species.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
None proposed.
Site safeguard and management
Control scrub encroachment, if appropriate, in order to protect the single known C. aractina population from over-shading. (ACTION: NE)
Species management and protection
None proposed.
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers, and relevant agencies, of the presence and importance of Caloplaca aractina, specific management for its conservation, and any potentially damaging actions. Landowners and managers should have access to specialist advice if needed. (ACTION: NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake a survey of all sites from which this species has been recorded, to establish its current status at each. (ACTION: NE, SNH)
Monitor extant populations regularly in order to assess any changes in population size and habitat quality. (ACTION: NE)
Compile a list of sites that would be worth searching for this species and distribute to active lichenologists. (ACTION: NE)
Commission a study to investigate the reasons for the decline of this species in Britain with a view to refining measures for the conservation of extant colonies. (ACTION: NE)
Communications and Publicity
Encourage lichenologists to pass all records of C. aractina, including ecological information, to a national database (ACTION: NE, JNCC)
Liaise with specialist societies to increase the awareness and identification skills of lichenologists and other naturalists in relation to this species, through publishing articles or holding identification workshops. (ACTION: NE, SNH)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Local implementation
The following LBAPs are working on Caloplaca aractina:
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume III: Plants and fungi (February 1999, Tranche 2, Vol III, p93)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species
Plantlife Read the Plantlife species dossier relating to this species