Geographical contrasting conditions in Colombia have resulted in the differentiation of a great variety of ecosystem, with an enormous biodiversity. Among this diversity, more than 1700 lichenized fungal species are currently recognized. Despite of the diversity of lichenized fungi in Colombia, few protection instruments have been developed, although one governmental ordinance restricts unlawful collection trade of lichens or the logging of habitats harboring these organisms. Assessment of threat categories of Colombian lichens has not yet been done. To achieve a first categorization under IUCN criteria, we selected a subset of 151 species, based on their inferred distribution and potential endemism. GBIF, the Catálogo de Plantas de Colombia, as well as UDBC, COL, CUVC and FAUC herbaria databases were consulted to compile information and distribution of each species. After standardization of the data in Darwin Core format, records were georeferenced. Extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) were calculated using the ConR package in RStudio. Based on these data, threat categories were elaborated in an expert workshop. The evaluation resulted 706 entries of 151 species (23 families). Sticta impressula, Icmadophila aversa and Sticta hirsutofuliginosa had the highest number of entries (between 61 and 37), while 76 species are only known from the type collection. EOO ranged between 258.710 km2 in Rhabdodiscus reconditus and 47 km2 in Cora rothesiorum. AOO ranged between 108 km2 in Sticta impressula and 4 km2 in half of the species. Some species, such as Agonimia foliacea, Cora accipiter and Hypotrachyna paraphyscioides, are located in protected areas, while Allophoron farinosum, Cora aturucoa, and Thalloloma haemographum presented only one record in disturbed localities. Finally, 67 species were considered as Critically Endangered, 21 as Endangered 14 Vulnerable, 6 Near Threatened, 38 Least Concern and 5 as Data Deficient. Funding: Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt.
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