Perspectives in Biodiversity | 2025 | Volume 3 | pp 38–43
Short Communication
Caloplaca johnwhinrayi S.Y.Kondr. & Kärnefelt (Teloschistaceae) on the Chatham Islands – a new record for Aotearoa / New Zealand
Peter J. de Lange 1,*, Dan J. Blanchon 2
1 Applied Molecular Solutions Research Centre, School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, Unitec, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
2 Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, Private Bag 92018, Victoria Street West, Auckland, New Zealand.
* corresponding author: pdelange@unitec.ac.nz
Received: 20 January 2025 | Accepted: 9 February 2025 | Published: 15 May 2025
Senior Editor: Marleen Baling
https://doi.org/10.34074/pibdiv.003104
Abstract
Notice of the presence of Caloplaca johnwhinrayi S.Y.Kondr. & Kärnefelt (Teloschistaceae) previously considered an Australian endemic is given. The species is known from a single collection from limestone rocks on Motuhinahina Island within Te Whanga Lagoon, Rēkohu / Wharekauri / Chatham Island (the largest of the Chatham Islands group), Aotearoa / New Zealand. Brief notes on the species recognition, ecology and conservation are given with the recommendation that it should be looked for in similar habitats elsewhere in Aotearoa / New Zealand.