Threats and Conservation Strategies for Overlooked Organisms: The Case of Epiphytic Lichens

In this chapter, the main ecological factors that characterize the epiphytic environment and which determine the composition of epiphytic communities have been described. In particular, emphasis has been made to focus on epiphytic lichens which, due to their ecophysiological characteristics, represent a set of highly specialized organisms that live in a delicate balance in this habitat. The main threats that affect their survival have been analysed along with the conservation actions that have been undertaken to ensure the maintenance of the populations of the most endangered species. Furthermore, some good practices are suggested that can guarantee greater success of future protection actions.