Status Search

These lists are based primarily on information in Dr. Thomson's book, Lichens of Wisconsin.

• A. Lichenized fungi which may warrant listing for protection. In addition to being rare (see B), these species show some evidence of either decline or stress to populations (contraction of past range, or professional opinions of Dr. Thomson and Dr. Clifford Wetmore, University of Minnesota), and so should be considered for protected status.
• B. Rare lichenized fungi of Wisconsin.This list includes all lichen species which are currently assessed as rare in the state. The main criteria for placing a species on this list were 1) the existence of no more than 5 records in the state; and 2) knowledge by Dr. Thomson that the genus has been at least moderately well-collected in the state. A subset of these species (see A) are suggested for protected status.
• C. Lichenized fungi which appear rare due to undercollecting. The species on this largest list appear rare, but the genera have been so poorly surveyed that they are quite possibly common and merely undercollected in the state. After more inventory work has been completed, some of these species may eventually be considered genuinely rare.