Lichen Diversity Research Articles

Potential implications of shortened rotation length for forest birds, bryophytes, lichens and vascular plants: An example from southern Swedish production forests

The rotation lengths of intensively managed production forests may be altered to achieve a variety of goals, with correspondingly implications for biodiversity. Here we consider the potential implications of shortened rotation times for biodiversity in planted monocultures of the two most common production tree species in Sweden, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). To do so we surveyed bird, bryophyte, epiphytic lichen and vascular plant diversity in 80 and 55-year-old stands; stand ages which approximate present-day and potential future rotation lengths in this region respectively. We found clear differences in the species communities of the 55 compared to the 80-year-old stands for both understory species and epiphytes, but not for birds. Nevertheless, bird species richness was still highest in the 80-year-old Norway spruce dominated stands. Dead wood amount was also highest the 80-year-old Norway spruce stands. Highest species richness of epiphytic lichens was found in 80-year-old Scots pine stands. However, 55-year-old Scots pine stands had a higher understory species richness and diversity than the older Scots pine stands, including a larger number of open land species. The 80-year-old forest stands examined may be considered old with respect to production forest rotation lengths in Sweden but are relatively young when comparing stand ages of unmanaged natural forest stands. Nevertheless, our results indicate that shortening the rotation time of Scots pine and Norway spruce, in this part of Sweden from 80 to 55 years, could have important consequences for forest biodiversity. These consequences are primarily inferred from the likely implications from shortened rotations for lichens community composition and diversity in both Norway spruce and Scots pine stands, as well as impacts on understory plant species in Norway spruce stands.

Recovery kinetics of epiphytic lichen diversity after dieback during a continuously wet season

Epiphytic lichens are considered sensitive indicators of environmental change. Excess water is known to depress their photosynthesis, but the effect of long-lasting rain on species richness of epiphytic lichens is rarely reported. By annually repeated records of macrolichen species richness on tree trunks over a period of 33 years that included one long rainy season in year 2000, a strong decline in macrolichen richness on tree trunks was detected after the unusually wet autumn. Afterwards, the lichen richness slowly recovered, but had not yet fully recovered 19 years after the dieback. Thereby, long rainy periods can cause lasting depression in epiphytic lichen richness, and continuous rain should be considered a possible threat to lichens in regions like northern Europe where global change predicts enhanced rainfall frequency.

Effects of forest roads on vegetation biodiversity and soil characteristics in Hyrcanian forests

As one of the main components of forest operations and sustainable management, forest roads affect the vegetation communities around the road. In this study, the effects of the edge of forest roads were investigated to understand the changes caused by the network of forest roads on the Hyrcanian forest ecosystem in northern Iran. In order to investigate the impact of forest roads on the biodiversity of herbaceous species, tree regeneration and lichen, sampling was used at different distances from the road in two controlled and harvested areas. The effects of roads on vegetation diversity in relation to soil characteristics were also investigated. The results showed that harvesting caused the destruction and reduction of tree, herbaceous and lichen regeneration, but the physical and chemical properties of the soil were not affected. The distance from the road has affected the diversity and richness of herbaceous and lichen, tree regeneration and all physical and chemical characteristics of the soil (except C). There was a significant correlation between most of the physical and chemical properties of the soil with the regeneration of trees and herbaceous species. Also, most of the physical and chemical properties of soil have increased with increasing distance from the road. Results showed that the buffering effect of the roadside in these forests up to a distance of 45 m had an effect on diversity and richness. Also, the results of this study are consistent with the fact that the road affects the biodiversity and properties of the forest soil.

Lichen Biodiversity and Near-Infrared Metabolomic Fingerprint as Diagnostic and Prognostic Complementary Tools for Biomonitoring: A Case Study in the Eastern Iberian Peninsula.

In the 1990s, a sampling network for the biomonitoring of forests using epiphytic lichen diversity was established in the eastern Iberian Peninsula. This area registered air pollution impacts by winds from the Andorra thermal power plant, as well as from photo-oxidants and nitrogen depositions from local and long-distance transport. In 1997, an assessment of the state of lichen communities was carried out by calculating the Index of Atmospheric Purity. In addition, visible symptoms of morphological injury were recorded in nine macrolichens pre-selected by the speed of symptom evolution and their wide distribution in the territory. The thermal power plant has been closed and inactive since 2020. During 2022, almost 25 years later, seven stations of this previously established biomonitoring were revaluated. To compare the results obtained in 1997 and 2022, the same methodology was used, and data from air quality stations were included. We tested if, by integrating innovative methodologies (NIRS) into biomonitoring tools, it is possible to render an integrated response. The results displayed a general decrease in biodiversity in several of the sampling plots and a generalised increase in damage symptoms in the target lichen species studied in 1997, which seem to be the consequence of a multifactorial response.

Comparison of Epiphytic Lichen Diversity on the Base and Trunk of Quercus robur Population in Görükle Campus Area of Bursa Uludag University (Bursa, Türkiye)

This study was carried out in a pedunculate oak grove located next to the Faculty of Agriculture in the Görükle campus area of Bursa Uludag University. Differences in epiphytic lichen diversity on the base and trunk of Quercus robur L. were analyzed. A significant difference in epiphytic lichen diversity between the base and trunk of the tree was found. The community structure of epiphytic lichens on Q. robur is characterized by the Physcietum adscendens association within the alliance of Xanthorion parietinae. The diversity of epiphytic lichens and the number of species are higher on the trunk rather than at the base of the trees.

Exploring the influence of climatic variables on mycobiome composition and community diversity in lichens: insights from structural equation modeling analysis

BackgroundLichens are symbiotic organisms composed of a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, which are key ecological bioindicators due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. The endolichenic fungi (ELF) living inside lichen thalli, are an important but understudied component of playing crucial ecological roles such as nutrient cycling and protection against environmental stressors. Therefore ELF community investigation is vital for fostering sustainable ecosystems and leveraging their ecological benefits. Deciphering the intricate relationships between ELF and their lichen hosts, alongside the influence of environmental factors on these communities, presents a significant challenge in pinpointing the underlying drivers of community structure and diversity.ResultsOur research demonstrated that locational factors were the main drivers of the ELF community structure, rather than host haplotype. Several climatic factors affected the diversity of the ELF community and contributed to the prevalence of different types of fungal residents within the ELF community. A decrease in isothermality was associated with a greater prevalence of pathotrophic and saprotrophic fungi within the ELF community, resulting in an overall increase in community diversity. By conducting a structural equation modeling analysis, we identified a robust link between climatic variables, fungal trophic mode abundance, and the species diversity of the ELF community.ConclusionThis study’s discoveries emphasize the significance of examining climate-related factors when investigating ELF’s structure and function. The connection between fungi and climate is intricate and complex, and can be influenced by various other factors. Investigating the potential for ELF to adapt to changing climatic conditions, as well as the potential effects of changes in ELF communities on lichen function, would be valuable research areas. We anticipate that our research results will establish a basis for numerous future ELF research projects and have a significant impact on the field.

Drivers of Lichen Diversity and Abundance on Trailside Benches in the City of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Drivers of Lichen Diversity and Abundance on Trailside Benches in the City of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

How does understory vegetation diversity and composition differ between monocultures and mixed plantations of hybrid poplar and spruce?

Although monocultures are important for timber production, they are often associated with lower biological diversity than mixtures. Thus, mixed plantations have been suggested as a way to enhance biodiversity because of their inherent compositional diversity. However, the effects of monocultures versus mixtures on understory diversity and composition can vary in different ecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess how monocultures and mixed plantations influence understory vegetation diversity and composition in the boreal forest region of southern Quebec. We sampled plantations established with deciduous Populus trichocarpa Torrey & A. Gray × balsamifera L. and P. maximowiczii Henry × balsamifera L. and coniferous Picea abies (L.) Karst. and Picea glauca (Moench) species planted in monocultures and in mixed plantations on abandoned farmlands and a forest site. We assessed understory vegetation diversity and composition in each canopy type (coniferous, deciduous, mixed) and in each plantation type. We evaluated bryophyte and lichen diversity and composition specifically in tree microhabitats: soil, tree bases, and tree trunks. We found that vascular plant and lichen species richness was similar in all plantation types, while bryophyte species richness was higher in spruce monocultures and in mixed plantations compared to poplar monocultures. Our results also highlight how land-use history influenced vascular plant composition as abandoned farmland sites were composed of more ruderal vascular plants, while the previously forested site was composed of species found in natural forests. In the context of reforestation and plantations, our study suggests mixing spruce with poplars to maximize understory vegetation diversity as the addition of spruce in mixed plantations promoted the establishment of terrestrial bryophytes, while poplars favored the establishment of epiphytic lichens.

Taxonomic diversity of lichens of a protected area in an industrial city (as an example of the city of Dnipro, Ukraine)

The aim of this study is to inventory the taxonomic diversity of lichens in the territory of the protected area of local importance "Novokodatskyi Park" located within the large industrial city of Dnipro (Dnipro region, Ukraine), taking into account the data of automated air monitoring. Along with the development of instrumental methods for studying the state of environmental components, biological monitoring is also relevant. After all, living organisms, namely their taxonomic diversity, number and its dynamics, etc., are integral indicators of the state of the environment. Numerous species of organisms are widely used as biomonitors of air pollution, the most famous of which are lichens, as it has been found that with an increase in the content of pollutants in the air, bushy, then leafy and finally scaling forms of lichens first disappear. Numerous studies have also shown a correlation between the number of lichen species and increased concentrations of pollutants in the air. The city of Dnipro is one of the largest industrial cities in Ukraine and has a high level of technogenic load. There are 10 industrial facilities of national and regional significance within the city of Dnipro, which are included in the List of the most environmentally hazardous facilities, and the largest metallurgical enterprises are concentrated in the Novokodatskyi district of Dnipro. During the survey of the territory of the Novokodatskyi Park, a nature reserve of local importance, 10 species of lichens from 6 families were registered. Let’s believe that the study of the taxonomic diversity of the lichen biota of large industrial cities and other settlements is a promising area of research in terms of lichen indication. After all, in this case, lichen diversity is an integral indicator, and the results obtained are quite clear

Natura 2000 network enhances the protection of rare epiphytic lichens: evidence from forest sites of Central Italy

AbstractAlthough epiphytic lichens are widely adopted as environmental indicators, they are not yet included among the target species listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive, to which the system of protected areas of the Natura 2000 network refers. In this work, we aim to test the effectiveness of this system, mainly designed for the conservation of other groups of species, in protecting lichen species richness. For this purpose, we considered a case study (Central Italy) with half of the territory included in protected areas. Statistical differences in species richness and lichen communities were tested between sites located in 16 Protected Areas (PA) and 11 Non-Protected Areas (NPA) using non-parametric tests, multi-response permutation procedures (MRPP), non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA). Despite the broad overlap between epiphytic lichen communities of NPAs and PAs and a similar number of total and common species, PAs contain a significantly higher number of nationally rare and extremely rare species, including cyanolichens. These results are also confirmed by the indicator analysis. Although the Natura 2000 network does not explicitly address the conservation of lichens, the protected areas in our study can play a role in protecting the diversity of epiphytic lichens, especially nationally rare and endangered species. However, the future inclusion of red-listed epiphytic lichens among the target species of Annex II of the Habitats Directive would be welcome to better protect these organisms on a European level.

Species–area relationship in lichens tested in protected areas across Italy

AbstractThe species–area relationship (SAR) states that species richness increases with the increase of the sampled area, although other factors can influence the pattern. SARs have been tested on many different organisms, but only rarely on lichens. We aimed to test the SAR, across a wide range of area sizes, for three main substratum-related guilds of lichens, namely epiphytic, epilithic and epigaeic. The test was performed using data from lichen inventories carried out in 44 protected areas of various sizes across Italy. We found a positive correlation of species richness with area size for all three guilds, better fitted by the logarithmic function for epilithic lichens and by the power function for epiphytic and epigaeic lichens. Our results support the fundamental role of area size as the main driver for lichen diversity, suggesting that in an area-based conservation framework, larger protected areas are fundamental to support high lichen species richness. However, finer scale investigations are also required to better elucidate whether and how other environmental factors could interact with area size and modify SAR patterns. Exhaustive lichen inventories could be useful information sources to more robustly test such relationships, and therefore better inform conservation practices.

The importance of a transformative biodiversity education for perceiving, appreciating and supporting lichen diversity in German urban environments

AbstractUrban green spaces are indispensable for the conservation of biodiversity in Germany. In addition, the availability of green areas often provides citizens with the only opportunity to experience nature. Lichens are an important component of urban environments in terms of both species diversity, and ecosystem functions and services. However, they are rarely the subject of biodiversity education. To bolster awareness on their diversity and appreciation, a transformative biodiversity education in both the formal and informal sectors is necessary. This transformative biodiversity education should not only provide knowledge about species and habitats, but also on all dimensions of biodiversity, viz., the three levels of biodiversity, drivers of biodiversity loss, and ecosystem services. For this reason, the design of biodiversity education may be particularly challenging for educators and teachers. This paper shows how biodiversity education projects on urban lichens can be developed in accordance with the principles of transformative education, supporting nature experience, knowledge transfer (species knowledge in a broad sense and interdisciplinary aspects), participation and cooperation, as well as the use of digital media. Two best-case projects, tested in Germany, are presented as examples for the design and implementation of a transformative lichen education in urban areas. A similar approach can be easily applied in other education systems beyond national boundaries.

A Special Issue dedicated to Professor Pier Luigi Nimis

This Special Issue is dedicated to Professor Pier Luigi Nimis on the occasion of his 70th birthday and retirement. It was our aim to publish papers addressing the three major research fields that Pier Luigi dealt with during his career: systematics and taxonomy, biomonitoring and ecology, and data resources and digitization. The papers in this Special Issue provide a vivid overview of the state of the art in the three research fields, and they reflect on Pier Luigi's outstanding contribution to lichenology. They offer a wide array of different methodologies, from the traditional approaches investigating lichen diversity and taxonomy by means of morpho-anatomical analyses, culture isolations and phylogenetic systematics, to the most modern sequencing techniques, and to the development of computer-aided tools and databases for facilitating lichen identification.

A New Species and Two New Records of the Lichen Genus Fissurina from China

The lichenized fungal genus Fissurina with mostly slit-like lirellae, belongs to Graphidaceae and is mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. A total of 17 Fissurina species have been reported from China. During a survey of the lichen diversity of southern China, a new species Fissurina wuyinensis K.J. Shi, Z.F. Jia and X. Zhao, sp. nov. was found, which is characterized by a corticolous thallus without detected secondary substances, uncarbonized lirellae, and an exposed disc with pruina, muriform and amyloid ascospores. Furthermore, two new records of F. pseudostromatica, F. subcomparimuralis have been identified by morphological, anatomical, chemical and molecular studies. Phylogenetic analyses of three loci (ITS, nuLSU and mtSSU) supported the position of these species within Fissurina. Detailed morphological descriptions as well as high-resolution photographs of the morphology and anatomy of the three species are provided, as well as a comparison and discussion of the characteristics of similar species. The studied specimens were deposited in the Fungarium of the College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University (LCUF).

New data on freshwater lichens in Mediterranean streams

New chorological data on freshwater lichens in central Spain are presented. We have identified twenty-one saxicolous species resistant to periodic immersion at five localities of Montes de Toledo. Eighteen species are reported for the first time in Castilla-La Mancha territory. Remarkable extensions in the distribution range are found for most lichen species highlighting the importance of intermittent streams for lichen diversity in the Mediterranean Region

Diversity of Lichens in Northern Alabama Yields Evidence of an Exceptionally Diverse Biota

Diversity of Lichens in Northern Alabama Yields Evidence of an Exceptionally Diverse Biota

Index of Atmospheric Purity (IAP) Related to Potential Ecological Risk Indexes (RI) of Heavy Metals Accumulation in Urban Area

Heavy metal contamination in protected areas can cause sensitive ecosystems to be at risk. Bioindicators for monitoring heavy metal contamination need to be investigated. The objectives of this study were to determine heavy metal residues in soil in an urban area, and also lichens diversity. Twenty-two sampling plots of 1 km x 1 km size were selected in Nong Saeng sub-district, Pak Phli district in Nakhonayok province, Thailand. Lichens diversity was investigated, and soil samples were collected to analyze the amount of heavy metal residues in the soil. Afterwards, the potential ecological risk indexes (RI) and index of atmospheric purity (IAP) were presented. The results indicated that trace element concentrations in forest (For), urban (Urb) and agriculture (Agr) soils were not significantly different, and that land use type did not affect heavy metal contamination. However, two areas with high RI values of 358.27 and 483.76 were designated as being at considerable ecological risk. These values related to the lowest air quality index in distribution mapping of IAP. The relationship between index of atmospheric purity and potential ecological risk indexes (RI) of heavy metal accumulation in urban area implied that long-range transboundary air pollution may be a source of heavy metals contamination in some areas. The highest RI value related to Hg concentration in low land implied that it was possible that concentrations of heavy metals could have been affected by the discharge of wastewater into the low land, and especially in the study area that had acidic soil.

The response of lichens inhabiting exposed wood of spruce logs to post-hurricane disturbances in Western Carpathian forests

We investigated which of the following environmental factors: the number of years since the windthrow of the tree (the age of dead wood), the phytocenosis (the type of forest community), altitude, exposure, wood hardness and the spatial scale of forest disturbances (small gaps with a few fallen spruces vs large-area windthrows) contributed to the diversity and abundance of lichens inhabiting the exposed wood of windthrown spruce trees in Polish Western Carpathian forests. Both Shannon H index and sum of coverage coefficients rose with increasing age of the wood, levelling off after 11–14 y (diversity) and 14–17 y (abundance). This factor appeared to be the most important for this group of lichens, but the significant positive impact of large-area windthrows on the lichen abundance was also demonstrated by using a GLM model. The age of the wood we precisely determined on the basis of data on Norway spruce mortality collected annually in permanent plots of the Gorce National Park since 2000. Using the Shore durometer we linked the course of the wood-inhabiting lichen succession with wood decay more precisely than before. The largest number of species was associated with medium hard wood, i.e., 51 < x ≤ 80 on the Shore scale. Based on the NMDS analysis, we distinguished four age groups of logs, differing in lichen abundance and defined by the dominance of distinctive species. A large number of usually corticolous lichen species used the wood of windthrown spruce logs as an optional habitat to survive large-scale, post-hurricane forest disturbances.

Keragaman Lumut Kerak (Lichenes) di Resort 6 Taman Nasional Batang Gadis (TNBG) Sumatera Utara

The purpose of this study was to determine the types of lichens, thallus types, and diversity index of lichens found in Resort 6 of Batang Gadis National Park. The method used in this study is an exploratory survey method with a squared plot technique using purposive sampling. The results of the study, there are 25 types of lichens from 13 families. The most commonly found family is the Parmeliaceae family and the most commonly found species is Lepraria sp. There are three types of thallus found in lichens, namely crustose, foliose, and fruticose types. There are 14 types of crustose-shaped lichens, 10 types of foliose shaped like leaves, and 1 type of fruticose shaped like dangling ribbons. The lichenes diversity index value is 2.96. From the results of the study it can be concluded that the diversity of lichens shows moderate diversity with a moderate distribution of individuals of each type. This also shows that the Batang Girls Resort 6 National Park area still has good air quality.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Diversity, Lichens (lichenes), Batang Gadis National Park

Bursa ilinde (Türkiye) liken çeşitlilik değeri ve fotosentetik pigment içeriği arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenmesi

In this study, 48 epiphytic lichen species on the trunk of oak trees from seven localities were reported in Bursa province. The correlation between Lichen Diversity Value (LDV) and photosynthetic pigment content at a location were evaluated for each locality. A negative correlation was found between LDV and photosynthetic pigment contents. The LDV was higher in rural areas, and decreased in areas affected by anthropogenic and agricultural activities. LDV values were increased from 21% to 47% from degraded areas exposed to environmental pollution and stress to undisturbed areas, whereas total photosynthetic pigment contents decreased from 39% to 19%, and Phaeophytinization ratio (PR) values from 36% to 30%.