Current status
Lichen (Teloschistes chrysopthalmus)
1. Current status
This fruticose lichen grows on the basic, well-lit, nutrient-rich twigs of shrubs and small trees, in sheltered, sunny situations. It is typically found in old orchards and in hedgerows, but also occasionally occurs on worked timber, such as fence posts, in coastal areas.
Formerly more widespread along the coast of southern England, from West Sussex, through the Isle of Wight to Torquay, the only recent records of this lichen are from Devon in 1966 (although it may now have been lost from this site), and Cornwall in 1997 and 1998 where it was found on blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). It also formerly occurred in Counties Down and Antrim in Northern Ireland, where it was last recorded in the 19th century, and is now presumed to be extinct. It also occurs on Jersey. Elsewhere it grows in dry, sunny temperate regions of both hemispheres.
Teloschistes chrysopthalmus is classified as Critically Endangered in Great Britain, Extinct in Northern Ireland, and is listed as Threatened on the preliminary European Red List for macrolichens. It receives general protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
The loss of this species from former sites is thought to be due to air pollution, substrate enrichment from inorganic fertilisers, and the destruction of old orchards and hedgerows.
The loss of this species from its last recorded site in Devon, was due to the removal of its host hawthorn bush to enable path widening.
This species may be vulnerable to botanical collection as it is an attractive species, and may only occur in small quantity.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain population levels at any sites that are found to be extant.
If biologically feasible and desirable, re-establish this species at two suitable sites by 2005
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
If a viable colony is discovered, and if it meets relevant criteria, consider this species for inclusion on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Schedule 8 of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. (ACTION: DETR, EHS, JNCC)
Site safeguard and management
Consider notifying as ASSIs/SSSIs sites with viable populations of Teloschistes chrysopthalmus where this is consistent with selection guidelines and where it is necessary to ensure their long-term protection and appropriate management. (ACTION: EHS, NE)
Where it is in the interests of amenity, apply Tree Preservation Orders to protect host trees and woodlands. (ACTION: LAs)
On any extant T. chrysopthalmus site, assess the threat to each posed by the drift of agricultural chemicals. Implement measures to address any identified threat. Mechanisms may include management agreements on or adjacent to ASSIs/SSSIs, and relevant agri-environment schemes on other land. (ACTION: DANI, EHS, NE, MAFF)
Species management and protection
Assess the feasibility and desirability of re-establishing this species at suitable historic sites. If appropriate, undertake by 2005 experimental re-establishment attempts at two carefully selected sites. (ACTION: NE)
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers, and relevant agencies, of the presence and importance of Teloschistes chrysopthalmus, 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
Compile information and resurvey sites where necessary, in order to determine the current distribution and status of this species in the UK. Survey work should include a visit to the sites in Devon and Cornwall where this species was most recently recorded. (ACTION: EHS, NE)
At any extant sites, ensure that they are monitored regularly, in order to assess changes in population size and to ensure prompt identification of any threats. (ACTION: EHS, NE)
Compile a list of sites that would be worth searching for this species and distribute to active lichenologists. (ACTION: EHS, NE)
Investigate the feasibility of ex situ cultivation as an adjunct to translocation attempts. (ACTION: EHS, NE)
Communications and Publicity
Develop links with groups working to promote the conservation of old orchards in order to coordinate action for this species with existing initiatives to conserve its orchard habitat. (ACTION: EHS, NE)
Encourage lichenologists to pass all records of Teloschistes chrysopthalmus, including ecological information, to a national database. (ACTION: NE, EHS, 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: EHS, NE, JNCC)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume III: Plants and fungi (February 1999, Tranche 2, Vol III, p141)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species