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Hazel gloves

What action is going on for this species?

The following will give you information on what work has been taking place through the Species Action Framework:

Species background

Hazel gloves (Hypocreopsis rhododendri) is a lichen-like fungus found in oceanic hazel woods. Its pale tan, bracket-like appearance with extending finger-like lobes is both distinctive and conspicuous.

Why is this on the Species Action List?

Hazel gloves meets criterion 1a of the Species Action Framework, as a species for conservation action.

Scotland is a stronghold for the UK population; it is vulnerable to loss due to habitat deterioration, but there is sufficient knowledge of its ecology to inform effective management action.  It could also be used as a 'flagship' species to raise awareness of the importance of undisturbed, ancient woodlands for Scottish biodiversity. 

Management for this species will help to maintain the diversity of other species, particularly lichens, that depend on long periods of woodland habitat continuity. 

Hazel gloves is a UKBAP Priority Species and is included on the Scottish Biodiversity List.

Habitat, distribution and abundance

Hazel gloves was first discovered in Europe on Mull in 1975.  It is currently known from 16 sites in Scotland, including two SSSIs.  All sites are on the west coast in Argyll and Bute or Highland.  Here, it has mainly been found growing on standing, dead stems of hazel, but has also been recorded on living hazel branches, cut hazel branches and living and dead branches of blackthorn, eared willow and wild rose species.

In Scotland, it is confined to ancient, 'core' stands of Atlantic coastal hazel. One of its best recorded Scottish sites is a woodland which has not been coppiced or thinned for many years and therefore contains a considerable amount of standing dead-wood, much of which is hazel.

General ecology

Observations to date suggest that hazel gloves is parasitic on the 'glue crust' fungus Hymenochaete corrugata, a common fungus of dead and dying hazel stems.  Hazel gloves is often found by looking for detached dead stems that have been glued to living stems by the glue crust fungus.  Continuity of habitat seems to be important for the persistence of hazel gloves because it is not found on invasive stands of hazel or stands that have regenerated after clear-cutting.

History of decline, contributory factors and current threats

There are insufficient records to demonstrate direct decline but suitable habitat for hazel gloves has certainly suffered historic decline.  The greatest threat to hazel gloves is destruction of its scrub habitat.  Invasion of hazel woods by Rhododendron ponticum, and overshading by emergent trees, is likely to cause long-term deterioration in habitat quality.  Likewise, inappropriate habitat management, e.g. introduction of coppicing to hazel stands that have not been previously managed in this way, will also threaten continuity of the deadwood micro-habitat.

Over-grazing by sheep or deer could lead to a long-term deterioration in vegetation structure on hazel glove sites. 

Collection by enthusiasts is a potential threat on sites with small populations.

The 'Species Lead' at Scottish Natural Heritage

David.Genney@snh.gov.uk   Tel 01463 725000