Epiphytic lichens of the sacred natural site “Bosco di Sant’Antonio” (Majella National Park – Abruzzo)

Juri Nascimbene,Alessandro Chiarucci,Chiara Lelli,Luciano Di Martino,Paolo Giordani,Fabrizio Frascaroli,Valter Di Cecco,Piero Zannini,Chiara Vallese

doi:10.3897/italianbotanist.7.34639

Abstract

Sacred Natural Sites are relevant for biodiversity conservation, as in the case of forest sites that, across centuries, developed old growth structures and are now crucial for the conservation of epiphytic lichens and other specialized forest organisms. In this study, we investigated the epiphytic lichen flora of a small forest patch included in the Majella National Park (Abruzzo), whose old growth features and naturalness reflect its long lasting spiritual role that perfectly fits with the concept of Sacred Natural Site. Results revealed that the “Bosco di Sant’Antonio” hosts a rich and interesting epiphytic lichen flora, thus indicating the potential of this Sacred Natural Site for lichen conservation. Fifty-six species were found including two species newly recorded in Abruzzo, two red-listed species, and the sensitive species Lobariapulmonaria. This study corroborates the hypothesis that sacred forest sites are relevant for the conservation of specialized epiphytic lichens. In particular, in the Italian forest landscape where old-growth stands are practically absent, sacred forest sites may provide unique old-growth structures and buffer anthropogenic disturbance.

Highlights

Sacred Natural Sites are relevant for biodiversity conservation (Avtzis et al 2018; Frascaroli et al 2016) since their spiritual value is intrinsically associated with the maintenance of inspiring natural habitats by non-intervention or non-intensive management
We investigated the epiphytic lichen flora of a small forest patch included in the Majella National Park (Abruzzo), whose old growth features and naturalness reflect its long lasting spiritual role that perfectly fits with the concept of Sacred Natural Site
We investigated the epiphytic lichen flora of a small forest patch included in the Majella National Park, whose old-growth features and naturalness reflect its age-old spiritual role that perfectly fits with the concept of Sacred Natural Site

Summary

Introduction

Sacred Natural Sites are relevant for biodiversity conservation (Avtzis et al 2018; Frascaroli et al 2016) since their spiritual value is intrinsically associated with the maintenance of inspiring natural habitats by non-intervention or non-intensive management This is, for example, the case of several forest sites that are not exploited for timber production due to the presence of a small church, a shrine, or a crucifix. Forestry is among the main causes of species loss across European forests (Nascimbene et al 2013b) due to the exploitation of old trees, short rotation cycles, excessive canopy cover, or excessive exposure to direct light in the final part of the rotation cycle. Large old trees enhance the establishment of dispersallimited species that have more time for colonization, higher surface availability, and more stable substrate conditions (Nascimbene et al 2013b)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion