Abstract
Mangrove forests of a single trees species, Avicennia marina subsp. australasica are widespread in the upper North Island of New Zealand, but there is little available information on the diversity of epiphytes such as lichens within them. A survey of 200 trees from 20 mangrove sites recorded a total of 106 lichen species from 45 genera. Two of these species are considered to be ‘Threatened’, five ‘At Risk’ and 27 ‘Data Deficient’. Multiple regression indicated that tree diameter (DBH) and mean annual rain days positively influenced site species richness. Multidimensional scaling showed that sites from the same geographical region generally formed distinct clusters. Redundancy analysis indicated that mean annual wet days, latitude and DBH measurably influenced species composition.
Highlights
The term “mangrove” covers a range of halophytic evergreen plants comprising over 70 species, found in 27 genera from 20 families and nine orders [1,2,3,4]
The only mangrove species currently found in New Zealand is the Mānawa (Avicennia marina subsp. australasica), which is found in Southeastern Australia [5]
The most common lichen species were Parmotrema reticulatum, which occurred at all sites and both Pertusaria melaleucoides and Parmotrema crinitum which were recorded at 18 sites
Summary
The term “mangrove” covers a range of halophytic evergreen plants comprising over 70 species, found in 27 genera from 20 families and nine orders [1,2,3,4]. About a quarter of all mangrove species belong to the pantropical genus Avicennia [1]. The only mangrove species currently found in New Zealand is the Mānawa Mangrove forests are distributed throughout the globe in 118 tropical and sub-tropical countries [6], ranging from 31 ̊45’N in southern Japan, to 38 ̊03’S in the North Island of New Zealand. In New Zealand, the species is naturally distributed from the top of the North Island to Kāwhia on the west coast and Ohiwa on the east coast [5]. Mangroves are highly productive ecosystems [3, 7, 8] that provide habitat and an important source of nutrients for a variety of species [9, 10]. Mangroves are valuable nursery grounds and breeding sites for birds, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, reptiles and mammals [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call