Cryptic Paw

Nephroma occultum

A lichen is an organism comprised of a fungus and an alga in close symbiotic association. The cryptic paw lichen is restricted to humid old-growth forests at lower elevations in mountainous regions and has very specific ecological requirements, which include high humidity and moderate summer temperatures. It is only found in the pacific northwest at 28 known sites (21 are in British columbia). The loss of old-growth forest through logging activity is resulting in the inevitable extinction of this rare species. No attempts have been made to ensure its preservation.