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

Abstract

We explored the drivers of lichen taxonomic diversity and lichen abundance on wooden trailside benches within the city of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, to better understand lichen colonization of wooden structures. We examined three variables including the age of each bench, the distance of each bench from the nearest tree with lichens, and the distance of each bench from the nearest road. Multivariate analyses and model selection using AIC revealed that bench age and distance from the nearest tree with lichens together was best at explaining the sample data. Age of the benches was of greatest significance for predicting both lichen diversity and abundance. Understanding factors that drive the distribution and colonization of species across urbanized landscapes is important for conservation efforts and for preserving biodiversity in the future.