High demographic rates of the model epiphyte Lobaria pulmonaria in an oceanic hazelwood (western Scotland)

Abstract

The lichen Lobaria pulmonaria is a case-study species for research in forest ecology. Previous studies have emphasised both its niche specialism and slow growth with long generation times, explaining its occurrence on larger/older trees in forest stands with long temporal continuity. Contrastingly, L. pulmonaria is common among a broader range of habitats within an oceanic (‘temperate rainforest’) bioclimatic zone, and we investigate its population dynamics within this context to expand our understanding of the ecology of this model organism. The results indicated some of the highest growth rates and shortest generation times observed globally, with reproductive maturity achieved within c. 5–10 yr. This rapid growth to maturity and raised propagule density can explain the rapid colonisation of L. pulmonaria onto very young hazel stems. The work emphasises the viability of large populations of L. pulmonaria in western Scotland, underlining an International Responsibility for protection within a European context.