Synecological structure of the lichen synusiae within forest natural reserves from the Moldavian Plateau (Romania)

Abstract

This study describes and assesses the influence of the particular features of microhabitats on the abundances of lichen species. The research was performed in 4 natural reserves: Seaca-Movileni, Bădeana, Hârboanca-Brăhășoaia, and Bălteni (all within Vaslui county). The distribution of lichen species abundances was investigated in 20 cm × 20 cm sampling units at a height of 1 m above the ground. In the studied area 27 lichen species were sampled in 81 sampling units. Cluster analysis indicated both similarities and dissimilarities between the natural reserves investigated. Kruskal-Wallis tests pointed out significant differences regarding tree girths, depth of rhytidome crevices, and relative abundances of the lichen species. The results of a SIMPER test show that Physconia enteroxantha (Nyl.) Poelt. and Candelaria concolor (Dicks.) Stnr. are the species responsible for the dissimilarities between investigated sites. Mann-Whitney U tests revealed significant dissimilarities between the lichen synusiae investigated. Of all the lichen species recorded, only Physconia enteroxantha and Lecidella elaeochroma (Ach.) M. Choisy were significantly correlated with trees of the genus Quercus. There were fewer trees of the genus Quercus with large girths compared to other analyzed tree genera.

Epiphytic lichen synusiae and functional trait groups in boreo‐nemoral deciduous forests are influenced by host tree and environmental factors

“…Lichens contribute significantly to the biodiversity of forest ecosystems (Timonen et al 2011, Ellis ) and are sensitive indicators of their function, state and quality in terms of structure, air pollution and climate (McCune , Nimis et al 2002, Pinho et al 2011, Ellis ). Without information about the lichens species composition and synusiae, the knowledge of forest communities is incomplete; nevertheless, lichens have often been ignored in vegetation analysis, mainly because of the paucity of specialists (Bültmann et al ). At the same time, studies of lichen species assemblages can provide ample information for solving several problems in phytocoenology, i.e.…”

“…At the same time, studies of lichen species assemblages can provide ample information for solving several problems in phytocoenology, i.e. those connected to vegetation classification, succession theory and bioindication (Bültmann et al , Mucina et al 2016).…”

“…Epiphytic and epixylic lichen synusiae make up discrete assemblages on a single host tree. However, in old forest expanses, epiphytic lichen synusiae on trees may recur with similar compositions and quantitative proportions between species on several hundreds of trees (Barkman , 1973, Trass , Ellis et al ). The formation and taxonomic composition of epiphytic lichen synusiae depend, first of all, on host tree properties (Gauslaa , Ellis et al ).…”

“…However, in old forest expanses, epiphytic lichen synusiae on trees may recur with similar compositions and quantitative proportions between species on several hundreds of trees (Barkman , 1973, Trass , Ellis et al ). The formation and taxonomic composition of epiphytic lichen synusiae depend, first of all, on host tree properties (Gauslaa , Ellis et al ). Still, the characteristics of surrounding plant communities, created mainly by higher plants, largey determine the local moisture regime and light conditions which influence epiphyte communities (McCune , Dymytrova et al 2016, Sales et al 2016).…”

“…In different biogeographical regions, lichen synusiae on broad‐leaved trees have been studied quite intensively (Klement , Nimis , Gauslaa , Romanova , Ellis et al , Vicol ). Still, regional studies of lichen syntaxa and synecology continue to be of interest as the composition of lichen assemblages on trees depends on regional climatic conditions (Aragón et al , Prieto et al 2017), as well as on the connectivity and ecological continuity of forests (Ellis and Coppins a, Wolseley et al 2017) and local environmental conditions (Ellis , Ellis et al ). This is especially important in the light of ongoing climatic changes, but also for biodiversity and its protection.…”