Der Krienser Hochwald (Kanton Luzern): Ein wertvoller Lebensraum für zahlreiche, in der Schweiz gefährdete Flechtenarten

Abstract

Dietrich M., Bürgi-Meyer K., Bergamini A., Scheidegger C. and Stofer S. 2008. The Forest of Kriens (canton of Lucerne): A valuable habitat for many threatened lichens of Switzerland. Bot. Helv. 118: 149 – 164. In Switzerland almost half of the epiphytic lichen species are listed as threatened. Lichens, especially epiphytic species, contribute significantly to the biological diversity of forest ecosystems. Many of them are important indicator species and thus used for designing successful conservation strategies in woodlands. This study documents the importance of the Forest of Kriens near the city of Lucerne (Central Switzerland) as a habitat for epiphytic lichens. A rich flora comprising 182 species was recorded, thirty seven species being threatened in Switzerland and four being protected at the national level. Chaenotheca sphaerocephala, Micarea xanthonica and Psilolechia clavulifera are reported for the first time from Switzerland. More than sixty recorded lichen species are indicators of environmental continuity in woodlands. The sub-oceanic-montane climate at this north-facing slope at the border of the Northern Pre-Alps and the extensive, close to nature forest management, which guarantees environmental continuity, facilitate a high species diversity among epiphytic lichens. Thus, the Forest of Kriens is an important refuge for endangered species whence they might invade lichen-impoverished areas of the Central Plateau. For several epiphytic lichen species it represents the only known locality in the canton of Lucerne and one of few in Switzerland.