23155_Peltigera:ascophyllum leaflet - Plantlife
23155_Peltigera:ascophyllum leaflet - Plantlife
23155_Peltigera:ascophyllum leaflet - Plantlife
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BACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIES <strong>Peltigera</strong> lephidophora © Stephen SharnoffThis <strong>leaflet</strong> reveals more about the elusive Ear-lobed Dog-lichen (<strong>Peltigera</strong>lepidophora) and other species of lichens that grow along rocky rivers. Whatto do if you find them, and how you can help them to thrive.<strong>Plantlife</strong> is the UK’s leading charity working toprotect wild plants and their habitats. The charityhas 10,000 members and owns 23 nature reserves.In 2008, <strong>Plantlife</strong> is ‘Lead Partner’ for 77 speciesunder the UK Government’s Biodiversity ActionPlan. Conservation of these species is deliveredthrough the charity’s Back from the Brink speciesrecovery programme, which is jointly funded byCountryside Council for Wales, Natural England,Scottish Natural Heritage, charitable trusts,companies and individuals. It involves its membersas volunteers (Flora Guardians) in delivering manyaspects of this work. <strong>Plantlife</strong>’s head office is inSalisbury, Wiltshire, and the charity has nationaloffices in Wales and Scotland.<strong>Plantlife</strong> ScotlandBalallan HouseAllan ParkStirlingFK8 2QGTel. 01786 478509www.plantlife.org.ukscotland@plantlife.org.uk
BACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIESWhat are lichens?Lichens are curious dual organisms. They areoften thought of as plants but in fact they area tight association between an alga orcyanobacteria (photobiont) and a fungus(mycobiont). Lichens gain their nutrients fromthe photobiont, which captures the sun'senergy through photosynthesis. The fungusprotects the photobiont from drying and fromthe harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Thismeans that lichens can inhabit some of themost inhospitable places on earth.The main body of a lichen is known as thethallus. Lichens reproduce using fruitingbodies, known as apothecia, or by means offragmentation of the lichen itself in specialpeg-like structures (isidia) or powderystructures (soralia).Lichens of rocky river edgesScotland, with its wet climate, great varietyof rock types and glacial history has some ofEurope’s best developed river communitiesof plants, fungi and lichens. River rocksprovide important habitats for lichens.There are over 80 restricted to this habitatalone including seven British Red Data Bookspecies. Lichen communities are bestdeveloped in the upper to middle stretchesof rivers, whereas eutrophication and heavysilting reduces lichen diversity in the loweralluvial stretches. Fast water flow in thehigher reaches can cause heavy scouring ofrocks, making them unstable habitats. Lichensoccur in bands depending on how well theyare adapted to submergence. The richestsites are rocky stretches that are not toodeeply shaded by bank-side vegetation, andwhere there are large areas of exposed rockoutcrops and boulders. Rock type isimportant. Some of the richest sites containbasic rocks (such as mildly calcareoussedimentary rocks like sandstones andmudstones) or igneous rocks (such as basaltsand andesites). Lichens of limestone riversare very different from those found on highlysilicaceous river rocks such as quartzite andgranite.The Ear-lobed Dog-lichen (<strong>Peltigera</strong>lepidophora) is extremely rare inScotland.The Ear-lobed Dog-lichen is one of Britain’srarest lichens. First recorded for Britain in1971, to date it has still been recorded onlyon a single rocky outcrop in a river gorge inPerthshire.Dog-lichens (<strong>Peltigera</strong> lichens)● <strong>Peltigera</strong> species are leafy (foliose) lichensand have a distinctly different upper andlower surface. The upper surface issometimes smooth and shiny or matt andminutely hairy. The lower surface alwayshas root-like structures, known as rhizines,and often has pale or dark veining.● They are among the largest and fastestgrowing of all the lichens and may grow upto 2 to 3 centimetres per year.● Dog-lichens are also known as Dog-toothlichens as their root-like rhizines resemblecanine fangs. These rhizines are found inother lichens but they are rarely aspronounced as in the Dog-tooth lichens. Inmedieval times <strong>Peltigera</strong>s were thought tobe a good remedy for dog bites.● They sometimes produce red-brown orblack fruiting bodies. These are sporebearingapothecia, which are saddleshaped, flattened or oval. The apothecia areproduced on the ends of the lobes.1
BACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIES●●<strong>Peltigera</strong>s are often relatively rapidcolonisers.Nineteen species of Dog-lichen occur inBritain, all of which are found in Scotland.More about the Ear-lobed Doglichen(<strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora)<strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora is bluish grey when wet,brownish grey when dry and can grow up tosix centimetres in diameter with lobes to onecentimetre wide. The lobes are concave orear-shaped with inrolled margins, which arefrequently torn or eroded. Small scale-likeoutgrowths, called isidia, are approximately0.5 millimetres in diameter and occur on theupper surface of the lobes. The undersurfaceis whitish with distinct, pale, grey-fawnveins and small un-branched rhizines. This isan ephemeral species and its abundance andapparent health may be seasonal. It isthought that the species is best developedduring the autumn, winter and spring monthsand is less apparent in summer.Conservation protection status of<strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora● Legal status: Schedule 8 of the Wildlife andCountryside Act 1981. <strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora habitat showing its position among grasses near the top of the outcrop© John Douglass2
●●Red Data Book Category: CriticallyEndangered, Nationally rare.UK BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) priorityspecies.Habitat and distribution of <strong>Peltigera</strong>lepidophora in BritainThe only known British site where this lichenis found is a calcareous sandstoneconglomerate outcrop along a steep, woodedgorge in Perthshire. Winter and spring waterlevels are very high and the site is liable toinundation from the river, whilst in summermonths the outcrop is subjected to long dryspells. The outcrop contains deposited silt,providing some nutrient enrichment. Coloniesof bryophytes and annuals occur here withoccasional crustose and Dog-lichens.It is relatively well-lit, due to its position onthe north side of the river, but is sheltered bysteep wooded slopes on either side. Thelowest occurring colonies of this lichen occurin a zone where the more submerged-tolerantspecies of bryophytes occur.World distribution and habitat of<strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora<strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora is frequent in Scandinavia,local in central and eastern Europe, and rare inwestern Europe. It has also been recorded inHawaii, North America, South America andNew Zealand. Its European habitat is on theground on slightly calcareous substrata,sometimes over bryophytes, and often withsome nutrient enrichment. It occurs acrosssome of the northern and central states ofNorth America on exposed soil, road cuts andtrail banks usually in open, dry habitats. In NewZealand it has been found at 1800 metres oncalcareous soil. <strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora showing the plate-likeisidia on top of the lobes © John Douglass3
BACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIES <strong>Peltigera</strong> didactyla showing the circular soralia (powdery reproductive structures) © John DouglassOther dog-lichen species whichmay be confused with the Ear-lobedDog-lichen<strong>Peltigera</strong> didactyla has powdery granules indistinct circular patches, called soredia, thatform on the lobe surface.<strong>Peltigera</strong> praetextata is generally larger, withlobes up to 3cm in size and has small lobe-likeisidia mostly clustered along the lobe marginsor along the edges of splits on the uppersurface of the lobes.<strong>Peltigera</strong> membranacea is very common andforms wide radiating patches up to 40cmacross. The lobes are up to 3cm wide, aregrey when dry and brown when wet, and havea felt-like, ridged upper surface. The lowersurface is whitish with pale, raised veins anddispersed bottle-brush like rhizines.<strong>Peltigera</strong> britannica is occasional to rare, andcoloured bright green when wet and palebrownish-grey when dry. The lower surfacehas indistinct veins and the upper surface hassmall, dark, button-like cephalodia. These arestructures containing a cyanobacterialphotobiont, which is a different photobiont tothat of the thallus, or main body of the lichen.<strong>Peltigera</strong> hymenina is very common, forminglarge patches up to 20cm across with matt orshiny grey or brown lobes up to 2cm wide.The lower surface is cream or light brownwith flat veins and pale simple rhizines.4 <strong>Peltigera</strong> praetextata showing the plate likeisidia, which mainly develop along the edges ofthe lobes © John Douglass
BACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIES <strong>Peltigera</strong> mambranacea showing the fang-like rhizines (root-like structures) © John Douglass<strong>Peltigera</strong> horizontalis has a blue-grey uppersurface, often tinged brown and with glossylobes. The lower surface is pale at the edgesbut darker towards the centre. The apothecia(orange/brown spore producing bodies) arehorizontal to the lobes. <strong>Peltigera</strong> hymenina showing the apothecia(orange-brown spore producing structures)© Paul Whelan <strong>Peltigera</strong> britannica showing the dark, flatcephalodia on the green lobes. © John Douglass. <strong>Peltigera</strong> horizontalis showing the apothecia(orange-brown spore producing structures) whichare horizontal to the lobes © Paul Whelan5
BACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIES Dermatocarpon luridum with its lurid greenlobes (when wet) brownish grey when dry© John Douglass Dermatocarpon meiophyllizum resemblingbrown scales or cracked dry mud © John Douglass Collema crispum is found only on highlycalcareous rocks. It has small lobules on top ofthe lobes © John DouglassOther lichens found on rocky riveredgesRocks which are submerged for all or most ofthe year provide habitat for many crustosespecies including Verrucaria and Staurothelespecies. The Nationally scarce and Red DataBook River Jelly Lichen (RJL) (Collemadichotomum) occurs in this zone. Rocks whichare submerged periodically can support theEar-lobed Dog-lichen together with leafylichens such as Dermatocarpon luridum andDermatocarpon meiophyllizum and jelly lichenssuch as Collema crispum, Collema flaccidum andthe Nationally rare Leptogium subtorulosum.Crustose species such as Bacidia inundata,Ionaspis lacustris, Rhizocarpon lavatum andVerrucaria praetermissa can also occur in thiszone. Collema dichotomum or River Jelly Lichen hassmall strap like lobes, which often flare out andturn up at the end. It also has a distinctiverubbery or plastic feel © John Douglass6
Collema flaccidum with its thin, papery, widespreading lobes © John DouglassPerceived threats to lichens of rockyriver edges● Shading of river rocks by tree canopy alongthe river edge with beech and conifers beingthe worst ‘offenders’. This is issue is oftenresolved by land managers who keep riveredges open for anglers.● Compaction or disturbance of soil bytrampling or machinery● Local habitat change, for example clear fellingnearby● Loss of habitat through erosion by floodevents● Competition with invasive non-native plantssuch as Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam(also known as Indian Balsam) and JapaneseKnotweed or with native invasives such asBracken or regenerating shrubs or trees● Hyper-eutrophication of soils throughagricultural run-off or waste water● Pollution of soils through chemical spill oragricultural run-off● Lack of awareness of the habitatrequirements of lichens amongst landowners. Leptogium plicatile with contorted andwrinkled lobes © John DouglassWhat you can do if you find Ear-lobedDog-lichen● This is a species of conservation concernand collecting it requires a licence andpermission from the landowner.● Photograph the lichen and write adescription of your observations of thespecies itself, the habitat, grid referenceand the date. Then contact <strong>Plantlife</strong> or alichenologist for further assistance.● Refer to the management guidelines belowif interventions are proposed for the site.● Pass on any records of this species to theBritish Lichen Society recording scheme. The Nationally rare Leptogium subtorulosumwith thin inrolled lobes © John Douglass7
BACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIESManagement recommendations forlichens of rocky river edges● Ensure minimal physical disturbance of thesite and the locality● Get to know specialist lichenologists inorder to inform site management.Specialist advice should be sought from alichenologist if there is a change in themanagement of the site.● Ensure contractors and land managers areaware of the presence of these lichens andtheir importance.● Water quality of the site should bemonitored regularly and the risk of pollutionincidences should be minimised, for exampleby providing advice on local farm wastemanagement in the catchment area.● Control litter and fires.● Increase the awareness of this species bypublishing articles and/or providingidentification workshops.● Raise awareness of the importance of thesite and its rare lichens to anglers,canoeists and other water users.● If one of the rarer lichens, such as the Earlobed-Doglichen, River Jelly Lichen orLeptogium subtorulosum is found, then the siteshould be monitored at least every six years.Does <strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora existanywhere else in Scotland?Although there is only one known site, it ispossible that it lives undiscovered elsewhere. Anextended survey of the river gorge where it isfound, along with other similar river gorges inthis region, might reveal further sites.Further research is needed to establish theexact habitat requirements and ephemeralcharacter of this species, so that lichenologistshave a clearer idea of to where else to look.8Recommended texts and referencesBrodo, I,R. Sharnoff, S.D. Sharnoff, S. (2001) Lichensof North America. Yale University Press.Church, J.M. Coppins B.J. Gilbert O.L, James P.W,Stewart N.F. (1996) Red Data Books of Britain. andIreland: Lichens. Volume 1: Britain JNCCCoppins, B.J. (2002) Checklist of Lichens of GreatBritain and Ireland. London. British Lichen Society.Coppins, A.M. & Coppins B.J. (1995 updated 1998)Ear-lobed Dog lichen <strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora, Speciesdossier. Scottish Natural Heritage and RoyalBotanic Garden, Edinburgh.Coppins, A.M. & Coppins B.J. (1999). CraighallGorge SSSI Monitoring of <strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora.SNH report: F99LH07A.Coppins, A.M. & Coppins B.J. (June 2004) CraighallGorge SSSI Establishing Baseline Site ConditionMonitoring. Scottish Natural Heritage.Purvis, O.W., Coppins B.J., Hawksworth D.L., JamesP.W., Moore, D.M. (1992). The Lichen Flora of theGreat Britain and Ireland. Natural History Museumand British Lichen Society.UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans -Volume III: Plants and fungi. February 1999,(Tranche 2, Vol III), p133.Dobson, F. (2005) Lichens: An Illustrated Guide to theBritish and Irish Species 5 th Edition. RichmondPublishing Co. Ltd.Fletcher, A. (ed) (2001) Lichen Habitat Management.British Lichen Society and Countryside Council forWales. Chapter 8, Freshwater Habitats by OliverGilbert.Gilbert, O. (2000) Lichens. Collins New Naturalistseries. Harper Collins, London. p 222.Gilbert, O. (2004) Lichens. Scottish NaturalHeritage, Naturally Scottish Series.
BACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIESWebsiteswww.bls.org.uk The British Lichen Society(BLS) has information on all aspects oflichenology and includes details of otherpublications, courses and web links.www.uklichens.co.uk The UK lichenswebsite has useful photos of UK species.Scottish Lichenology yahoo group. This is adiscussion group, which can answer questionson all aspects of lichenology.www.nwdg.org.uk The Native WoodlandDiscussion Group (NWDG) runs courses onAtlantic woodland lichens.www.lichens.ie This is a well producededucational web site on lichens. <strong>Peltigera</strong> membranacea growing with mosses© Matilda Scharsach, <strong>Plantlife</strong>This <strong>leaflet</strong> was written for <strong>Plantlife</strong>Scotland by John Douglass, Lichenologist.Contacts for advice and furtherinformationFor help with recording or identifyinglichens contact:<strong>Plantlife</strong> ScotlandBalallan HouseAllan ParkStirlingFK8 2QGTel. 01786 478509scotland@plantlife.org.ukwww.plantlife.org.uk9
BACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIESBACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIESConservation staff learning about <strong>Peltigera</strong> lichens in the field © Matilda Scharsach, <strong>Plantlife</strong>British Lichen Societywww.plantlife.org.ukscotland@plantlife.org.uk<strong>Plantlife</strong> International – The Wild Plant Conservation Charity<strong>Plantlife</strong> ScotlandBalallan House, Allan Park, Stirling FK8 2QGTel. 01786 478509ISBN: 978-1-904749-46- 2 © October 2008<strong>Plantlife</strong> International – The Wild Plant Conservation Charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee.Registered Charity Number: 1059559 Registered Company Number: 3166339. Registered in EnglandCharity registered in Scotland no. SC038951Front cover image: Ear-lobed Dog-lichen (<strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora) and Ideal habitat for Ear-lobed Dog-lichen (<strong>Peltigera</strong> lepidophora) by John Douglass Design: rjpdesign.co.uk Print: crownlitho.co.uk