Number Of Lichen Species Research Articles

Assessment of Lichen Diversity in a Part of Madhyamaheshwar Valley of Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

A comprehensive survey was carried out to evaluate the distribution pattern and diversity of lichens in the Madhyamaheshwar valley, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. According to the data gathered, there are 60 species total, divided into 21 families and 33 genera. The extensive diversity of lichen growth types in the region is demonstrated by the presence of 25 species of crustose lichen, followed by 19 foliose and 16 fruticose. The data gathered from the survey indicates that the Parmeliaceae family, with 8 genera and 12 species, is the most prevalent family in the area, followed by the Cladoniaceae family, which has 1 genera and 8 species. The enumeration of lichens from Madhyamaheshwar valley survey reveals that as the altitude increases the number of lichen species also increases. More taxa will undoubtedly be added to the lichen flora of this valley by conducting a thorough study of lichen species in the surrounding areas. Future biomonitoring and bioprospecting studies in the area will be supported by the baseline data provided by the current lichen count.

Lichen-host plant specificity on citrus plant species in coastal agroecosystems at No. 63 Benab, Berbice, Guyana

This was a preliminary study into host-plant lichen specificity at two coastal agroecosystems sites at No. 63 Benab, Berbice, Guyana. For each of the two sites, sampling plots of 2000 meter square (2000 m2) were demarcated and at 50 m × 40 m study plots were established. Healthy mature trees were identified in each plot to assess the lichen communities host-plant specificity. Twine was used to mark the trunks of 40 healthy individual trees in the North, South, East, and West quadrants (each measuring 50 by 100 cm). A total of 52,311 lichens were recorded and these were placed into fifteen (15) families, twenty-three (23) genera, and thirty (30) species. Crustose lichens were the most abundant in the study. Cocos nucifera had the highest average number of lichens recorded and accounted for forty-five percent (45 %) of the overall host trees that were sampled. Four (4) species of lichens (Flavoparmelia soredians, Dirinaria applanate, Lecanora muralis and Lecanora conizaeoide) showed specificity towards all host trees in the study. Twenty-six (26) species did not show specificity to all twelve (12) of the host tree species sampled. Twelve (12) species of lichens (Parmelia sulcata, Flavoparmelia soredians, Flavoparmelia caperta, Dirinaria applanate, Chrysothrix candelaris, Lecanora muralis, Lecanora conizaeoide, Arthonia cinnabarina, Arthonia purinata, Candelaria concolor, Lepraria lobificans and Graphis elegans) showed host tree specificity for four (4) species of citrus trees sampled. 13.3 % species were found on all tree hosts: Flavoparmelia soredians, Dirinaria applanate, Lecanora muralis and Lecanora conizaeoide. Mangifera indica hosted 76.7 % (23 of 30 species) of all recorded species. Tamarindus indica hosted the least number of lichen species, 26.7 % of lichens (8 of 30 species). Given that a lot of development is considerably taking place in the coastal areas of Guyana which may increase the instances of pollution, studies of this type can be beneficial since prior research has established the importance of lichens as good indicators of air pollution.

Distribution pattern of corticolous lichens in different areas of Kathmandu valley, Nepal

This study attempts to document the lichen species and their distribution in different areas of Kathmandu valley, Nepal. Twenty sampling sites with different degrees of air pollution categorized as disturbed (industrial, heavy traffic and residential areas) and undisturbed areas (clean area) were selected for the study. Sampling was done using the quadrat method. To enumerate the total number of lichen species found in Kathmandu valley, lichen specimens were collected from inside as well as outside the quadrats. A total of 97 species of corticolous lichens belonging to 21 families and 44 genera were recorded from the study sites. Parmeliaceae was the largest family followed by Graphidaceae. The importance value analysis showed that Candelaria concolor (115.2), Dirinaria aegialita, Lepraria sp., Phaeophyscia hispidula var. hispidula and Physcia sorediosa (106.02) are the most common and dominant lichen species in Kathmandu valley. Among the most common and dominant lichen species, Candelaria concolor, Dirinaria aegialita, Phaeophyscia hispidula var. hispidula and Physcia sorediosa were found concentrated in heavy traffic areas whereas Lepraria sp. in the industrial areas. A higher number of lichen species (70%) was recorded in undisturbed areas than in disturbed areas (50%). These study confirm that the distribution of lichen flora is strongly influenced by degrees of pollution. This in turn suggests that lichens can be used as bio indicators of air quality in the Kathmandu valley.

Epilithic lichen cover in assessing the quality of the coastal water environment in Karelia

The paper summarizes the data obtained by analyzing the reaction of the coastal epilithic lichen cover tothe chemical parameters of water in reservoirs of different types and uses. The study was carried out on the shores of freshwater bodies (Lake Onega, Lake Ladoga, Lososinka, Suna rivers) with different anthropogenic pressures in the Republicof Karelia. At each place of study, the lichen cover was described at the survey sites (frame 10 x 20 cm) along the transectand water samples were taken for chemical analysis. The aim of the work is to identify indicators of the coastal epilithic lichen cover to indicate the quality of the aquatic environment and assess the state of coastal ecosystems. The lichen flora ofthe surveyed coasts of fresh water bodies has 53 species, the highest species diversity of lichens is characterized by placeswithout obvious sources of pollution – the Kivach reserve (29 species), the shores of Lake Ladoga (27 species) and the Botanical Garden of PetrSU (16 species), and in urban conditions ( Petrozavodsk), a large settlement (Yanishpole) and nearthe pulp and paper industry (Kondopoga), the number of lichen species is much lower (8, 5 and 4). Regression analysisshowed the dependence of the number of lichen species on the registration site on the concentration of phosphorus compounds in water (p < 0.05). A tendency to a decrease in species diversity and a decrease in the total coverage of lichens withan increase in nitrogenous compounds in water was noted. This made it possible to propose the epilithic lichen cover as anobject-indicator of the state of the coastal water environment under conditions of anthropogenic pollution of water bodies.

Lichen saxicolous communities on granite churches in Galicia (NW Spain) as affected by the conditions of north and south orientations

Lichens constitute the largest organisms among the stone colonisers. Several studies have shown that lichen species and their traits respond to environmental changes, but none of them focused on saxicolous communities. Five granite Galician churches were studied to characterize the lichen saxicolous communities established in the four façades. In four of the churches two climatic stations were placed, on the N and the S façades. Sampling was also more systematic on N and S walls, as these tend to show the most extreme microclimatic characteristics: relatively cool and humid in the N vs. warm and dry in the S. We aimed at identifying the species and traits associated with these conditions, so as to predict the possible evolution over time in these communities in the prospect of further climate warming in the future. Climatic data were subjected to two-way analyses of variance (ANOVA). We computed species accumulation curves and species richness estimators with EstimateS, analysed the effect of the church, the aspect (N vs. S) and the position of sampling squares on the number of lichen species and on lichen abundance, and community composition in terms of species and lichen traits. Richness analysis showed that only orientation had a significant effect on the number of species present on the walls. Lichen cover was always higher in the N, but the difference was not significant, and only the church factor had a significant effect. Taxa characterizing the N façades were the two varieties of Haematomma ochroleucum, Ochrolechia parella, together with the lichen species with Trentepohlia as photobiont. On the S façades, the characteristic species were Candelariella vitellina and Lepra leucosora; there was a higher diversity of biotype, size and color; with a total absence of sorediate species or with Trentepohlia as photobiont. There was a clear difference between the lichen species requirements in sunlight and aridity on the N and S façades. We hypothesize that a warmer and more arid climate may result in an expansion of the S-dominant lichen species and/or lichen traits to the detriment of those N-dominant.

Spatial Distribution of Lichens in Metrosideros excelsa in Northern New Zealand Urban Forests

The spatial distribution of corticolous lichens on the iconic New Zealand pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) tree was investigated from a survey of urban parks and forests across the city of Auckland in the North Island of New Zealand. Lichens were identified from ten randomly selected trees at 20 sampling sites, with 10 sites classified as coastal and another 10 as inland sites. Lichen data were correlated with distance from sea, distance from major roads, distance from native forests, mean tree DBH (diameter at breast height) and the seven-year average of measured NO2 over the area. A total of 33 lichen species were found with coastal sites harboring significantly higher average lichen species per tree as well as higher site species richness. We found mild hotspots in two sites for average lichen species per tree and another two separate sites for species richness, with all hotspots at the coast. A positive correlation between lichen species richness and DBH was found. Sites in coastal locations were more similar to each other in terms of lichen community composition than they were to adjacent inland sites and some species were only found at coastal sites. The average number of lichen species per tree was negatively correlated with distance from the coast, suggesting that the characteristic lichen flora found on pōhutukawa may be reliant on coastal microclimates. There were no correlations with distance from major roads, and a slight positive correlation between NO2 levels and average lichen species per tree.

Diversity and distribution of epiphytic lichens on Cedrus atlantica and Quercus faginea in Mount Babor Forest, Algeria

Abstract. Belguidoum A, Lograda T, Ramdani M. 2021. Diversity and distribution of epiphytic lichens on Cedrus atlantica and Quercus faginea in Mount Babor Forest, Algeria. Biodiversitas 22: 887-899. Information about lichen diversity in Algeria is limited despite their important role as biological indicators of ecosystem health. The aim of the study was to carry out an inventory of epiphytic lichens in the Mount Babor Forest on two types of phorophytes (host trees), i.e., Cedrus atlantica and Quercus faginea, in varying altitudinal gradients and the diameter of host tree. The similarity of the sampled sites was assessed by the Sorensen index (β). Sixty-six species of epiphytic lichens were identified, which belong to 24 families and 38 genera. C. atlantica hosted a higher number of species than Q. faginea. The majority of lichen on C. atlantica belonged to the Parmeliaceae family, whereas those on Q. faginea belonged to the Physciaceae family. Crustose and foliose lichens were the most common species in the study area. The results showed the existence of a distinct relationship between the parameters of the distribution (i.e., tree diameter, elevation) and the specific lichen richness. The greatest number of lichen species (59 species) was observed on large diameter trunks (41-60 cm). Lichen diversity increased along with the increase in altitude. Sorensen’s similarity index revealed the presence of heterogeneity in the community composition of lichen vegetation.

Факторы, влияющие на разнообразие лишайников в усадебных парках Псковской области

The article describes the results of studies of the factors affecting lichen diversity in 46 manor parks of the region of Pskov. The investigated parks were founded in the end of XVIII – beginning of XX centuries. Twenty of them are fragmented and currently occupy less than 5 ha, the area of nine parks varies from 5 to 10 ha, those preserved within historical boundaries cover from 11 to 100 ha. Manor parks are situated both within the settlements’ boundaries (31 parks) and outside the settlements either bordering forest (12) or agricultural lands (3). Ten of the former border the forests. During the study 166 lichen species were identified. Statistical methods were performed to investigate the factors affecting lichen diversity in manor parks. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the dependence of the lichens species number on the park age/date of park creation (dispersion pattern), area of the parks (box plot), substrata diversity (dispersion pattern), and the dependence of the epiphytic lichens species number on tree and shrub species diversity (dispersion pattern). With the biserial correlation coefficient the impact of the settlement and the presence of the surrounding natural forests was calculated. Correlation analysis was performed to demonstrate the colligation between lichen species composition of the parks located in different subzones of forest zone in the region of Pskov. Our findings show that the number of lichen species depends on the park area (p = 0,0315), the variety of substrate types (p ˂ 0,001), and the variety of trees and bushes planted (p ˂ 0,001). The date of park creation and the presence of the surrounding natural forests do not influence the species diversity of lichens. We reveal that the location of the parks in a specific subzone of forest zone (southern taiga and mixed coniferous-broad-leaved forest) has no significant effect on the lichen species composition. The species richness of lichens tends to decrease in parks located within the settlements. The data obtained indicate not only the similarity of the species composition of lichens in the studied communities, but also the long-term development of lichen park communities in comparable climatic and landscape conditions.

Important part of urban biodiversity: Lichens in cemeteries are influenced by the settlement hierarchy and substrate quality

Cities, towns and villages are important places with almost specific greening in comparison with open landscapes. Cemeteries are one of the most common land-use types in Central European settlements; however, they are still rather marginal regarding their total extent. In this study, we focused on the diversity of lichens in these important artificial habitats.Our study was done in the Czech Republic and we analyzed 164 substrates (trees and gravestones) in 19 cemeteries located in a city, a town and in villages between them.Our results reveal that the majority of 65 species of lichens were rock-dwellers, preferring silicate substrates. Notably, ten species were red-listed. We found greater species richness in the town cemeteries, followed by village cemeteries, with those in the city most species-poor. Gravestones hosted a significantly higher number of lichen species than did trees. For tree-associated species, broadleaf species supported greater lichen species richness than did conifers. For rock-dwelling species, sandstone gravestones supported greatest lichen species richness, while those of concrete hosted the fewest species.The results of this study indicate that cemeteries are important habitats for lichen diversity in human settlements. Cemeteries hosted a diverse community of lichens, including a number of threatened species. Even though trees were not as species rich as gravestones, they did support a different community of lichens in these cemeteries, suggesting that trees, particularly broadleaf species, provide important habitat in cemeteries to support a diverse lichen community. Planting of broadleaf trees and especially the retention and management of existing trees appears to be one of the most important management considerations for cemeteries to support diverse lichen communities.

Influence of the environmental factors on the species composition of lichen Scots pine forests as a guide to maintain the community (Bory Tucholskie National Park, Poland)

Central European lichen Scots pine forests occur in extremely dry and poor sandy areas. This forest type, in terms of phytosociological classification, corresponds to the Cladonio-Pinetum association. This community is protected by European Union’s legislation (Natura 2000 habitat, code 91T0) and needs active protection to be maintained. The presented study was planned based on the conservation activities performed in 2017, which included thinning of the tree stand in selected areas of the lichen Scots pine forest community in the Bory Tucholskie National Park. Thinning effect was documented by the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data collected in 2017 before thinning and 2018 after thinning. Next we characterized two different forms of Cladonio-Pinetum association (lichen-rich and bryophyte-rich forms) and their relation to local environmental factors. To demonstrate that thinning is beneficial to the lichens we also compared the microclimatic conditions (temperature, humidity and light intensity) in thinned and unthinned areas. Vegetation and organic matter sampling was conducted in 2018 in the 24 sampling plots, each of 100 m2. Microclimatic measurements was done in 2018–2019 in one sampling plots of the thinned area and one additional control plot in the unthinned area. Sampling plots representing lichen-rich community had significantly lower canopy cover, higher number of lichen species, higher lichen cover and lower bryophyte cover in comparison to bryophyte-rich plots. The results showed that the lower canopy cover creates more favorable conditions for the occurrence of lichens, because of increasing the daily amplitudes of temperature, humidity and light intensity. Reduction of the canopy cover may be the easiest method to maintain the lichen pine forests community with high abundance of lichens in the field layer. This is particularly important in relation to the observed disappearance phenomenon of lichen pine forest in Europe. Due to this tendency, it is particularly important to actively protect these plant communities.

Dynamics of Epiphytic Lichen Communities in the Initial Period after Reduction of Emissions from a Copper Smelter

Changes in the composition and structure of epiphytic lichen communities have been analyzed over 5 years (2014–2018) after significant reduction of emissions from the Middle Ural Copper Smelter on the basis of annual observations in 22 permanent sampling plots established in spruce–fir forests of the Middle Urals. Despite the almost complete cessation of toxicant input from the atmosphere, increased Cu concentrations in the fir bark and higher bark acidity persist in the vicinity of the smelter. The number of lichen species in the heavily polluted zone rapidly increases (by 1–2 species per year) primarily on account of species with a high colonization potential that are abundant in adjacent biotopes or on other substrates in heavily polluted areas. The level of their toxitolerance is not the critical factor: both tolerant and moderately and highly sensitive species colonize tree trunks. The current community structure in the polluted zone is basically different from that in the background area: explerent species Hypocenomyce caradocensis dominates, while species typical for background spruce–fir forests are rare or absent.

The Lichens and Allied Fungi of the Credit River Watershed, Ontario, Canada

Abstract The Credit River Watershed contains a mosaic of habitat types, which support a large number of lichen species; however, no detailed inventories of the lichen diversity in this region exist. We present a checklist of 124 species of lichens and allied fungi discovered in the watershed. We report new collections of Illosporium carneum, Microcalicium ahlneri, and Pseudoschismatomma rufescens, which are provincially rare. In this checklist, twelve species are ranked as S1 (critically imperiled), S2 (imperiled), or S3 (vulnerable) in Ontario by the Natural Heritage Information Centre. Local municipalities and conservation authorities can use these baseline data to help monitor changes in populations and in determining areas of high biodiversity in the watershed.

Study on determination of bioactive potentials of certain lichens

Lichens are symbiotic associations that are formed by fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. The number of lichen species investigated pharmaceutically is still very low at present. The present study aims to determine the antioxidant activities, antibacterial activities, DNA protective activities, and oxidative stress status of Bryoria fuscescens (Gyeln.) Brodo & D. Hawksw., Parmelina tiliacea (Hoffm.) Hale, and Umbilicaria decussata (Vill.) Zahlbr. Lichens were extracted with ethanol in the Soxhlet device. The DPPH method was used to determine antioxidant activities. DNA protective activity was determined using pBR322 supercoil DNA. Antibacterial activity was determined with dilution test on 5 different species of bacteria (Enterocossus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus). Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were defined with Rel Assay Diagnostics kits. It was observed that DPPH free radical scavenging activities in lichen ethanol extracts increased with increasing concentration. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in B. fuscescens and the lowest activity was determined in U. decussata. It was also determined that the ethanol extracts of all lichen samples had DNA-protective activity. The highest antibacterial activity was detected in B. fuscescens, while the lowest activity was detected in U. decussata. It was determined that B. fuscescens had the highest oxidative stress index and U. decussata had the lowest value. It appears that the ethanol extracts of the lichen samples utilized in the study could be used as an alternative and complementary resource in medical treatment.

Twenty-two Years of Monitoring the Lichen Flora of Megalithic Monuments in the Netherlands

Abstract: Aptroot, A., van Herk, C. M. & Sparrius, L. B. 2017. Twenty-two years of monitoring the lichen flora of megalithic monuments in the Netherlands. – Herzogia 30: 483–495. Over the past 22 years, the lichen flora of 54megalithic monuments in The Netherlands has been monitored. In 2010, they harboured 133 lichen species. In 1988, 1993, 2000, 2005 and 2010, the lichen flora of all granite monuments were re-examined. Between 1988 and 2010 the number of lichen species per monument increased, especially those that grow normally as epiphytes and nitrophytes or have a southern distribution. Typical species of acidic rock decreased, together with other acidophytic epiphytes, lignicolous and terricolous species. The main driver for the observed changes is the increase in tree cover above and around the monuments. Changes in epiphytic lichen composition largely reflect changes in acid deposition, eutrophication and climate.

Diversity and distribution of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes on aspen (Populus tremula) in the middle boreal forests of Republic of Karelia (Russia)

The distribution of epiphytic bryophyte and lichen species growing on aspen in the middle boreal forests was studied in southern Karelia (Russia). These forests varied in time-since-disturbance from 80 to 450 years. Two hundred twenty two species of epiphytes, including 178 lichens, 32 mosses and 12 liverworts, were recorded on 192 aspen trees in forests over 24 ha, in the Karelian part of the Vodlozero National Park, Kivach Strict Nature Reserve, Kizhi Sanctuary and Petrozavodsk City. Arthonia biatoricola, A. excipienda and Biatoridium monasteriense were collected in Karelia for the first time. Eighteen rare species (lichens Anaptychia ciliaris, Arthonia vinosa, Bryoria nadvornikiana, Chaenotheca gracilenta, C. stemonea, Lecidea albofuscescens, Lobaria pulmonaria, Melanelixia subaurifera, Nephroma bellum, N. laevigatum, Phaeocalicium populneum, Ramalina thrausta, Rostania occultata, Scytinium subtile, Usnea barbata, mosses Neckera pennata, Plagiomnium drummondii and liverwort Lejeunea cavifolia) listed in the Red Data Book of Republic of Karelia (2007) were found. Relationships between epiphytic lichen and bryophyte species richness and certain environmental variables (at different trunk heights above ground and time-since-disturbance) were evaluated. Lichens and mosses on aspen trunks often occupy different ecological niches. Cover and diversity of bryophytes was high on trunk bases, while the number of lichen species and their cover were higher at a height of 1.3 m above ground level. The total number of lichen species on aspen increased on average from 40 to 60 species per ha with increasing time-since-disturbance from 100 to 450 years. A stabilization in lichen species number was observed at about 200 years since disturbance. No significant correlation was determined between bryophyte diversity on aspens and the time-since-disturbance.

Tardigrada in Svalbard lichens: diversity, densities and habitat heterogeneity

Tardigrades in lichens have been poorly studied with few papers published on their ecology and diversity so far. The aims of our study are to determine the (1) influence of habitat heterogeneity on the densities and species diversity of tardigrade communities in lichens as well as the (2) effect of nutrient enrichment by seabirds on tardigrade densities in lichens. Forty-five lichen samples were collected from Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet, Prins Karls Forland, Danskøya, Fuglesongen, Phippsøya and Parrøya in the Svalbard archipelago. In 26 samples, 23 taxa of Tardigrada (17 identified to species level) were found. Twelve samples consisted of more than one lichen species per sample (with up to five species). Tardigrade densities and taxa diversity were not correlated with the number of lichen species in a single sample. Moreover, the densities of tardigrades was not significantly higher in lichens collected from areas enriched with nutrients by seabirds in comparison to those not enriched. The incorporation of previously published data on the tardigrades of Spitsbergen into the analysis showed that tardigrade densities was significantly higher in moss than it was in lichen samples. We propose that one of the most important factors influencing tardigrade densities is the cortex layer, which is a barrier for food sources, such as live photosynthetic algal cells in lichens. Finally, the new records of Tardigrada and the first and new records of lichens in Svalbard archipelago are presented.

Lichens from Manor Parks in Minsk Region (Belarus)

Abstract A total of 158 species of lichens, three lichenicolous and three non-lichenized saprobic fungi were identified in 27 old manor parks in Minsk region, Belarus. The number of lichen species per a manor park ranged from 28 to 76 species. Lichenized fungi were collected on eight substrate types, the highest number of epiphytic lichens (77 species) were found on Tilia cordata. Eight lichen species (Agonimia allobata, Anisomeridium polypori, Arthonia arthonioides, Biatoridium monasteriense, Psoroglaena dictyospora, Reichlingia leopoldii, Sclerop-hora farinacea, Sclerophora peronella) were reported for the first time from Belarus.

The Arboretum at the University of Guelph, Ontario: An urban refuge for lichen biodiversity

Southern Ontario is the most densely populated region in Canada and urbanization is extensive. As a result, a large number of natural areas have been set aside in the cities, such as parks and conservation areas. The value of these areas for conserving lichen biodiversity has not been investigated in Ontario. Therefore, between 2008 and 2014, we systematically examined the lichens and allied fungi in the Arboretum at the University of Guelph, a 165 hectare park and nature reserve centrally located in the City of Guelph, Ontario. One hundred and four species in 55 genera were recorded and several are considered rare. Caloplaca soralifera is recorded for the first time in Canada. Provincially, Acarospora moenium is recorded for the second time, Bacidina egenula and Strangospora moriformis are reported for the third time, and Evernia prunastri was collected for the second time in southern Ontario in over a century. An undescribed species of Chaenotheca with distinctive brown-orange pruina on the capitulum and mazaedium was also discovered along with nine species that have a provincial status rank of S1 (critically imperilled), S2 (imperilled), or S3 (vulnerable). The native old-growth forests contained the greatest number of lichen species, particularly the largest one, which borders the wetland in the Nature Reserve. Investigations for lichens throughout Guelph revealed two species that were not found in the Arboretum. However, a substantial number of species were discovered in the park that were not found anywhere else in the city. Our results show that the Arboretum is a refuge for many lichen species within this urban landscape.

Pine forest lichens under eutrophication generated by a great cormorant colony

AbstractLichen community changes were investigated on trees within a colony of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) established in a pine forest on the Curonian Spit, western Lithuania. The impact of birds on the forest has altered the number and characteristics of substrata available to lichens. The lowest number of lichen species and occurrences was registered on trees in the most active part of the colony with the highest nest density. Lichen community patterns were most strongly related to P and Ca content in substrata and pH values. Some acidophytic species showed negative correlations, both with long-term and short-term ornithogenic influence. However, three acidophytes (Chaenotheca ferruginea, Lepraria incana, Coenogonium pineti) demonstrated an affinity for the transitional zone and recently occupied trees, and furthermore,C. pinetiapparently reacted positively to a short-term ornithogenic influence but negatively to a long-term one. These three lichens, along with algae, were the main, and often the only, components of epiphytic communities on trees at the edge of the colony and apparently indicated the crucial point of the acidophytic community under the increasing load of nutrients. All nitrophytic species showed an affinity for a long-term bird influence and reacted negatively to a short-term influence. Only free-living algae (predominating speciesDesmococcus olivaceus) showed a clear affinity for trees occupied by bird nests.Hypogymnia physodeswas found to be an indicator for early environmental changes following eutrophication. The study also showed that high concentrations of P did not have a mitigating effect on the detrimental impact brought about by increases in N and pH levels, but was possibly equally detrimental to acidophytic lichens.

The value of information in conservation planning: Selecting retention trees for lichen conservation

Conservation planning studies at small scales such as forest stands and below are uncommon. However, for retention forestry, developed during the last two decades and with current wide and increasing application in boreal and temperate regions, the need for cost-effective selection of individual trees is evident. In retention forestry certain trees are left at final harvest to promote flora and fauna. There is also a scarcity of studies on information costs and how these relate to the cost-effectiveness of conservation. We addressed both of these issues by studying whether decisions about the retention of aspen Populus tremula L. trees can be made more cost-effectively by including information about tree characteristics. We analyzed data from 12 recently harvested stands in middle Sweden containing 131 epiphytic lichen species (a biodiversity proxy) on 360 aspen trees. We related the presence of lichen species to bark and stem attributes and used those relationships to prioritize trees for retention. We estimated the value of using different sets of survey information (lichens, tree characteristics) to select retention trees to achieve various conservation goals. Depending on species or species groups of interest, and the type of tree information being collected, the value of collecting the information is up to 20% of the total value of all potential retention trees, which, given current labor costs, allows up to four hours for planning and selecting the right trees on an average-sized clearcut. The current practice of almost randomly selecting aspen trees to retain at final harvest can be improved by adding easily collected information on tree characteristics, such as black-colored bark, slow tree growth, inclining stems and speckled bark. This can lead to attainment of a given level of a conservation goal (like maximizing the number of lichen species of conservation concern) with fewer retention trees. Inventory of tree information often can be performed quickly, and if part of the gains from using such information to guide tree selection would be spent on additional conservation efforts, this would benefit biodiversity. Studies on more organism groups and tree species are needed to increase the applicability of results.