Lichen Biota Research Articles

К изучению лихенобиоты острова Броутона (Курильские острова, Сахалинская область, Российский Дальний Восток)

The paper contains the first data on the lichen biota of Broutona Island, one of the most inaccessible small islands of the Kuril Ridge. Information on the findings of 31 species of lichens first discovered on the island is presented. Among them, Peltigera venosa is a new species for the Sakhalin Region, Stereocaulon alpinum is new for the Kuril Islands, and Bryocaulon pseudosatoanum is listed in the Red Data Book of Russia and the Red Data Book of the Sakhalin Region. Information on the habitats of these species on Broutona Island, as well as their distribution in the Kurils and neighboring regions, is provided.

Лихенобиота заказника «Лисинский» (Ленинградская область)

The revealed lichen diversity of the Lisinsky Protected Area counts 296 species, including 262 lichens, 20 lichenicolous fungi, and 14 non-lichenized saprobic fungi. The species Normandina chlorococca is reported for the first time for Russia, Gyalidea minuta, Lecanora substerilis, Lecidea betulicola, Vezdaea stipitata are new to the North-Western European Russia, and Fellhanera bouteillei is new to the Leningrad Region. The territory is represented by a significant diversity of lichens and related fungi, including 28 protected species, indicator species and habitat specialists of biologically valuable forests. The communities formed by old-growth spruces and aspens are of greatest value for the conservation of lichen biota, as far as in such biotopes the species associated with biologically valuable forests are most often found in complexes.

Two new species and additional records of Coenogonium (Ostropales: Coenogoniaceae) from India

Two corticolous species of Coenogonium viz., C. pseudonepalense and C. submoniliforme are described as new to science. Coenogonium pseudonepalense is characterized by a crustose, greenish‐grey thallus, pale‐orange apothecial disc and 13.0–17.0 × 2.5–3.0 µm ascospores. Coenogonium submoniliforme is characterized by appressed‐filamentous thallus, small‐sized apothecia (up to 0.4 mm in diameter), pale orange apothecial disc and 14.0–18.0 × 2.8–3.8 µm ascospores. Coenogonium lueckingii and C. pineti are new records for Indian lichen biota. An updated world key to the known species of Coenogonium is also provided.

New additional records of lichenized fungi to Indian lichen biota

New additional records of lichenized fungi to Indian lichen biota

On the Conservation of the Canarian Laurel Forest: What Do Lichens Have to Say?

The fragmentation and degradation of primary forests are serious threats to the long-term persistence not only of the tree species they comprise, but also of many organisms inhabiting them. The Canarian laurel forest, known as monteverde, is a highly threatened endemic forest of the Macaronesian region. Lichens are considered ideal bioindicators for assessing the effects of human disturbances on ecosystems and anticipating the response of other less sensitive organisms. However, no studies have used them as model organisms to analyze the conservation status of this primary forest in the Macaronesian region. In the present study, we analyzed several variables of the lichen biota of the Canarian laurel forest on the islands with the highest representation within this archipelago: La Gomera, La Palma, and Tenerife. We analyzed the species richness (and its relationship to island size with the real and potential vegetation areas of the laurel forest); the lichen diversity value, the number of shared and exclusive species on each of the islands as well as lichen functional traits as they have become important for evaluating the response of epiphytic lichens to environmental changes. The results indicate that there are signs of a potential extinction debt occurring in the diversity of epiphytic lichens in some areas. Furthermore, it has been observed that, despite the presence of some exclusive species on each island, the overall composition does not differ between them. Considering the functional traits of lichens, there are patterns that can provide information about the unique characteristics of the laurel forest of each of the studied islands.

New species and new records of lichen genus Anisomeridium (Müll. Arg.) M. Choisy (Monoblastiaceae) from India

A new species Anisomeridium subphaeospermum is described and illustrated in the present article from Uttar Pradesh, India. It is characterized by a UV- (Negative) thallus, 8-spored asci, biseriate, brown, transversally 1-septate and broadly elliptical ascospores. Additionally, 6 species namely A. adnexum, A. americanum, A. quaternarium, A. subnectendum, A. tuckerae and A. uniseriale are reported as new records for Indian lichen biota along with a key of 26 species of the genus currently known from India.

New records of pyrenocarpous lichens from the Philippines

Pyrenocarpous lichens are an important component of the forest ecosystem, yet remain understudied. Following the recent field surveys of the lichen biota in Mt. Musuan, four pyrenolichen species previously unreported from the Philippines were collected, namely: Porina exocha, Pyrenula pyrenuloides, P. subsoluta, and Nigrovothelium inspersotropicum. Each species is briefly described with morphology and chemistry, distribution, ecology, notes, and illustrations. These collections underscore the need for expanded research attention to fully catalogue the lichen diversity in the Philippines.

Hot-spots of epiphytic and epixylic lichens in fragmented temperate forests are underpinned by microhabitat heterogeneity and spatiotemporal habitat continuity

Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation are major causes of the ongoing decline of epiphytic and epixylic lichen species in temperate forests throughout Europe. We investigated how extant species richness and composition of epiphytic and epixylic lichen communities in ten hot-spots of lichen diversity in the Czech Republic reflected the occurrence and properties of potentially suitable microhabitats and habitats. At each hot-spot, we surveyed a pair of 1-ha square plots, one in (over-)mature managed and the second in unmanaged forest. In total, we recorded 513 epiphytic and epixylic lichen species which represent a substantial part of lichen biota in Central Europe. Species richness and composition of lichen communities were explained by microhabitat heterogeneity, and also by the area of near-natural forest habitats (habitat extent) at the landscape scale. In addition, lichen species richness and number of red-listed species were explained by a categorial variable distinguishing mature managed and unmanaged plots, used as a proxy of temporal continuity of natural succession. This finding illustrates that temporal continuity of natural succession in unmanaged forests likely had an extra stimulus for lichen communities that may not be reflected by observed aspects of forest habitats. Hence, we confirmed indispensable positive effects of (micro)habitat heterogeneity, and spatial and temporal continuity for preserved hot-spots of lichen diversity in Central Europe. Due to generally slow colonization-extinction dynamics of epiphytic and epixylic lichens we call for strengthening microhabitat heterogeneity, and the spatial and temporal continuity of European temperate forests at the landscape scale.

Arthonia phaeobaea (Arthoniaceae, лихенизированные Ascomycota) — новый вид для Азии и России из Сахалинской области

During the study of the lichen biota of Sakhalin Island, Arthonia phaeobaea was identified basing of morphological and anatomical data. This is the first record of this rare saxicolous coastal lichen in Asia and Russia; the species was previously recorded only in Central and Northern Europe (including Arctic) and North America. The species is characterized by its thin, smooth, brown-gray continuous thallus without lichen compounds, usually with numerous black pycnidia and small, black, rounded to elongated, weakly convex apothecia, dark brown epithecium K–, pale hypothecium, colorless, (2)3–4 cross-septate ascospores constricted centrally and usually with unequal cells, hyaline conidia, narrowly ellipsoid or oblong. The maritime distribution of the species has been noted. The differences from other coastal saxicolous Arthonia species in a global scale, as well as saxicolous Arthonia, known in Russia, are discussed.

Первое исследование видового разнообразия лишайников острова Сескар (Финский залив, Ленинградская область)

The revealed lichen diversity of Seskar Island has a total of 292 species, including 263 lichenized, 20 lichenicolous, and nine non-lichenized saprobic fungi. Stigmidium microcarpum is new to European Russia, Caloplaca alcarum, Cryptodiscus muriformis, C. pini, and C. tabularum are new to North-Western European Russia; Lecidella subviridis and Pyrenidium actinellum are new to the Leningrad Region. The most interesting result of the investigation is the discovery of the single modern population of the red-listed Flavocetraria nivalis in the Leningrad Region. The lichen biota of Seskar Island is moderately rich compared to other islands of the Gulf of Finland.

The dataset of the CLU lichen herbarium (Calabria, Italy).

Calabria, the southernmost tip of the Italian Peninsula, is a biogeographically very interesting region for lichenologists, characterised by the abundance of oceanic and suboceanic species with subtropical affinities, but also by the presence of the southernmost outposts of several boreal species on the highest peaks. The lichen biota of Calabria, which began to be intensively studied only from the 1980s, hosts more than 1000 infrageneric taxa. The lichen herbarium of the Botanical Garden of the University of Calabria (CLU) is the most relevant lichen collection from this region. It was established in 1985 and it presently includes 16926 specimens, most of which were collected in Calabria, although there are also several specimens from other parts of Italy and from abroad. This dataset contains 16926 records of lichens for a total of 1316 species. Of the 15219 georeferenced specimens, 10254 were collected in Calabria, while 4965 in other administrative regions of Italy. The dataset is available through GBIF, as well as in ITALIC, the Information System of Italian Lichens.

“Sosny Taborskie” nature reserve as a refuge for rare and threatened forest lichens

Abstract The article presents the results of a lichenological inventory carried out in the “Tabórz Pine” nature reserve, which protects a unique old-growth forest dominated by Scots pine and European beech. The aim of the research was to document the taxonomic and ecological diversity of the lichen biota in the reserve and, on this basis, determine the role and importance of this site as a refuge for stenoecious forest lichens. In an area of 95.32 ha, 118 species of lichens were found, including 43 species included in the Polish national Red List along with 17 species having the status of lowland old-growth forests in Poland. These values allow the reserve to be included in the group of important forest lichen refuges in north-eastern Poland. The obtained results also prove that mixing tree species with complementary ecological features can modify the functioning of the forest not only in terms of its economic features, but also its ecological role in shaping and protecting the species diversity of forest lichens.

Nitrophilic aspect of epiphytic lichenobiota of white willow (Salix alba L.) in the Astrakhan Reserve

Among the epiphytic lichens of the Astrakhan Reserve, nitrophilic, toxic tolerant species dominate. At the same time, the reserve is located far from industrial areas. According to the results of quantitative studies, nitrophilic species dominate in terms of species diversity, occurrence, and projective cover. It is suggested that the abundance of nitrophilous species among lichens is associated with the ornithological factor: numerous nests of great cormorants, gray herons and crows on white willow. Crown rainwater containing bird excretions has elevated concentrations of nitrogen compounds. To assess nitrophilicity and toxicophobia, an index of average toxicophobia is proposed, calculated on the basis of a 5-point scale of lichen sensitivity and the number of species. It is based on an assessment of the most widespread lichen species, which determine the general background of lichenological toxicophobia in the surveyed area. The higher the indicator (maximum TFav = 5), the cleaner the area. The Average Toxicophobicity Index of the Astrakhan Reserve, calculated on the basis of the list of species minus the “null” trees for the established test sites in the Damchiksky, Trekhizbinsky and Obzhorovsky areas and considered as a single data set, is TFav = 2,18, which is lower than the median value of TF = 2,5 for a 5 point scale. A more accurate calculation of the Average Toxiphobicity Index (TFav), calculated on the basis of individual trees as a single array, taking into account “null” trees, is 1,66 ± 0,08. For the Damchiksky section, TFav = 1,46±0,12; for the Obzhorovsky section TFav = 1.93±0,12. For the Trekhizbinsky section, TFav = 1,48±0,16. This indicates a significant nitrophilic component of the epiphytic lichen biota Salix alba L. in the Astrakhan Reserve and the influence of the ornithological factor on the formation of the lichen flora.

Alpha diversity of lichenized and aphyllophoroid fungi in two 1ha forest plots in the Samursky National Park (Republic of Dagestan, Russia)

Aim. The results of the inventory of species composition of epiphytic lichens and aphyllophoroid fungi on two 1 ha sample plots in lowland floodplain forests are presented. Such integrated studies of these groups of organisms are poorly known. Fungi, including lichenized fungi, are essential components of forest ecosystems. Data on their diversity and substrate distribution can provide important information on the condition and biological value of the forests studied. Material and Methods. The main method of the fieldwork was the "1‐ha method". For the alpha‐diversity study, two 1‐ha sample plots were established in well‐preserved forest areas: the first one in a site of mixed broad‐leaved forest with lianas, and the second one in communities dominated by Carpinus betulus and Quercus robur. The specimens were collected from all variety of woody substrate within plots in spring and autumn 2023. Results. We have revealed 89 species of lichens and 60 species of aphyllophoroid fungi. The lichen families Arthoniaceae, Lecanoraceae, Physciaceae, Ramalinaceae and Roccellaceae contain 47.2 % of all species. High proportion of lichens with Trentepohlia photobiont (29.2 %), significant number of Arthoniomycetes (Arthoniaceae, Lecanographaceae, Roccellaceae) and crustose lichens (75.3 %) have been noted. Among the aphyllophoroid fungi identified in the sample plots, 11 species are new to Dagestan, including three species (Antrodia leucaena, Coronicium gemmiferum, Steccherinum litschaueri) recorded for the Caucasus for the first time. Fourteen species are new to the Samursky National Park. Conclusion. The study of alpha diversity and substrate preferences of xylobionts revealed the richest and most specific phorophytes, as well as some ecological features of the surveyed plots. Most of the species were found on the bark and wood of Carpinus betulus, Populus alba and Quercus robur. The majority of species reported for the first time for the region have been recorded on these tree species. We expand the number of known species on Populus alba, on which only few species were previously known. High proportion of lichens with the Trentepohlia photobiont and the predominance of crustose species were revealed. In terms of basidiomata morphology, corticioid fungi dominated over polypores and clavarioids in general. The leading ecological and trophic group of aphyllophoroid fungi are saprotrophs. Revealed features indicate a significant contribution of the wood of the main forest‐forming tree species to the preservation of the species richness of myco ‐and lichen biota.

Лишайники и лихенофильные грибы северо-западной части Краснознаменского округа Калининградской области

This article is dedicated to the study of lichen biota as part of the research and conservation of biodiversity in the Kaliningrad region. Biological studies of little-known territories are a crucial component of the ecologically oriented development of the Kaliningrad region, especially for areas with heavily transformed landscapes. Expanding the understanding of the diversity and distribution of lichens plays an important role in nature conservation and supporting the biodiversity of the Kaliningrad region. The aim of the study was to examine the lichen biota of the northwestern part of the Krasnoznamensk municipal district (part of the Sheshupe ancient alluvial plain). This is the first such study for the Krasnoznamensk district. Field research was conducted in the vicinity of the western part of the Neman forest and the Velikoe bog in 2022 and 2023. Laboratory processing of the collected materials with species identification was carried out using standard methods. The collected field materials significantly enriched the lichen collection of the KLGU herbarium with new specimens. As a result of the study, one hundred and five species of lichens and lichenicolous fungi were identified for the northwestern part of the Krasnoznamensk district, eighty-two of which are reported for the first time for the district. Among the discovered species are rare lichens of the Kaliningrad region, as well as indicator species of minimally disturbed and old-growth forest communities. These data make a significant contribution to the understanding of lichens in the Kaliningrad region, filling long-standing gaps in lichen biota research in the area. Consequently, the number of known taxa in the lichen biota of the Krasnoznamensk district increased to one hundred and thirty-one species. Based on our results, further study of the lichen biota of the Krasnoznamensk district appears promising.

Лишайники восточного склона вулкана Берутарубе, о. Итуруп (Курильские острова, Дальний Восток России)

The paper presents an annotated list of lichens of the eastern slope of Berutarube volcano, one of the most inaccessible and poorly studied active volcanoes on Iturup Island. Samples of lichens were collected in August 2023 from eroded areas in the summit part of the volcano, as well as on the eastern slope along the Andrey Creek, in the upper reaches of which unnamed cold acidic springs discharge. In total, 53 species of lichens were identified from the sampling sites, of which 20 species were new to Iturup Island, 2 species were new to the Kuril Islands, and 1 species was new to the Sakhalin region. In the summit part of the volcano, lichens typical for areas of volcanic activity were identified: Cladonia crispata, Cladonia straminea, Huea confluens, Lecidea plana, Melanelia stygia, Pseudephebe pubescens, Rhizocarpon badioatrum, and Umbilicaria torrefacta. The influence of the solfataric gases of the volcano on the lichen biota of the Andrey Creek valley has not been revealed, which allows us to make the assumption that there is no direct influence of the products of the solfataric activity of Berutarube volcano on the natural environment of its eastern slopes.

Род Rinodina (Physciaceae, лихенизированные Ascomycota) в Республике Саха (Якутия), с ключом для определения видов

The lichen genus Rinodina in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is revised on the basis of extensive materials collected by the authors in 1974–2022. Twenty-four species of this genus have been recorded for the lichen biota of Yakutia. Eight species are recorded for the first time: Rinodina cinereovirens, R. confragosa, R. conradii, R. intermedia, R. interpolata, R. metaboliza, R. orculata, R. trevisanii. Five previously reported species were not found: Rinodina archaea, R. exigua, R. exiguella, R. milvina, R. sophodes. A key for identification of Rinodina known in Yakutia is given. For each species, characteristic features, differences from closely related species, and distribution in Russia and the world are discussed.

The saxicolous and terricolous lichens of northeastern Brazil, with special reference to the Vale do Catimbau in Pernambuco


 
 
 The saxicolous and terricolous lichen biota of the Vale do Catimbau in Pernambuco state (Brazil) was studied and with 74 species found to be relatively rich. Most species are new to the state and five are new to Brazil, viz. Andreiomyces ob­ tusatica (Tønsberg) B.P. Hodk. & Lendemer, Caloplaca brittonii (Zahlbr.) Aptroot, Candelariella rosulans (Müll. Arg.) Zahlbr., Clavascidium antillarum (Breuss) Breuss, and Stromatella bermudana (Riddle) Henssen. In addition, some new state records were found of corticolous and lignicolous lichens. A comparison is made with all other places in northeastern Brazil where saxicolous lichens have been studied. For this, the Serra de Itabaiana in Sergipe state was revisited too, and many additional species were recorded there. All places differ markedly in species composition. This seems to be correlated to altitude, biome, and rock type (sandstone versus granite), with the biome mostly influencing the species composition and the altitude the species richness. Some of the species newly reported from Brazil are so far known from the Antilles and there seems to be some resemblance between these lichen biotas.
 
 

New species and new records of genus Buellia (lichenized Ascomycota, Caliciaceae) from Pakistan using electron microscopy and DNA barcoding techniques.

Three new species Buellia darelensis, B. densitheca, B. kashmirensis and two new records B. elegans and B. taishanensis are added to the lichen biota of Pakistan. Buellia darelensis and B. kashmirensis share the same habitats found on the rock while B. densitheca colonized on bark of Pinus hardwoods in the Himalayan forest, Pakistan. Morphological, chemical, and phylogenetic analyses were carried out to elucidate the placement of these species and to support the delimitation of the new taxa. Detailed descriptions and figures for the species are given, and a key to all known buellioid species from Pakistan is provided. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: During recent explorations of lichens from different regions of Pakistan, we observed specimens that could not be readily assigned to any known species. A phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer nrDNA region confirms their position within the genus Buellia, and morphological data showed distinctiveness of three species from other known species of the genus. We therefore describe these specimens as new species to science, and two species are as new records for the country. Pakistan exhibits a large altitudinal variation, with climatic conditions and a diverse vegetation that supports a diverse and conspicuous lichen biota. The nature reserves have abundant biological resources, and it is expected that more new species of lichen may be discovered in the future.

A taxonomic revision of lichen genus Phaeophyscia Moberg (Physciaceae) with new records from India

The present study recorded 18 species including four new records of the genus viz. Phaeophyscia hirtuosa (Kremp.) Essl., P. laciniata Essl., P. nashii Essl., and P. rubropulchra (Degel.) Essl., for Indian lichen biota. Out of 18 species of Phaeophyscia reported from India, the northern region of the country showed rich diversity of Phaeophyscia species represented by 15 species followed by eastern and southern region with 9 and 6 species, respectively. Phaeophyscia hispidula is the dominant species.