Phaeophyscia leana is a conspicuous macrolichen that occurs on the bark of trees above the high waterline in periodically inundated floodplain forests along the Ohio River, associated waterways, and associated wetlands in central North America. The primary pressures on this species are from habitat loss or degradation, alteration of hydrological regimes, and pollution. Formal ranking and protections for the species, long-term monitoring of populations, improved conservation, and restoration of suitable habitat are actions that would improve the status of the species. The species has a limited Area of Occupancy (minimum AOO = 184 km2), severe fragmentation of the population, and ongoing declines in AOO, Extent of Occurrence and habitat quality. Therefore, it is listed as Endangered under criterion B2ab(i,ii,iii,v).
Assessor/s: Lendemer, J.; Reviewer/s: Scheidegger, C. & McMullin, T.; Contributor(s): Weerakoon, G.; Facilitator(s) and Compiler(s): Bishop, G., Allen, J. & Chandler, A.
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