Santessonia cervicornis (picture below) is a free living or vagrant (blows around like a tumbleweed) lichen currently known only from near our study site. After completing our study of lichen communities along an altitudinal gradient, we also mapped and estimated the population of S. cervicornis. Since it is so rare, we will use our data to encourage Chilean authorities to protect this species. The population is essentially on hillside (see below with Reinaldo and Daniel as two tiny specks on each side for scale) where it grows interspersed with at least three other vagrant lichen species.
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The TeamDaniel, Peter and Reinaldo. Archives
January 2016
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