Applicability of the lichen biodiversity method (L.B.) to a Mediterranean area (Liguria, nw Italy)

Abstract

This study is part of the work aimed to standardise air quality biomonitoring methods in Italy. Some practical problems of the application of the lichen biodiversity (L.B.) method to a coastal area of the eastern Ligurian Riviera are analysed. In the first phase we studied the influence of variability on the parameters of the phorophytic substrata, on which we carried out the relevés. We considered the inclinations and circumferences of the tree trunks, and the exposure and height from the ground of the sampling grid. In the second phase, the study deals with the influence of the great geomorphologic variability on the microclimate and epiphytic lichen vegetation. The L.B. values were considered in relation to versant exposure, height above sea level and distance from the coast. We have suggested the use of less restrictive parameters for the L.B. sampling protocol. Furthermore, the distribution of two of the principal types of epiphytic lichen vegetation of the area, Xanthorion and Parmelion, were analysed in relation to the microenvironmental conditions.