6533b853fe1ef96bd12acd07
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Structural variables drive the distribution of the sensitive lichen Lobaria pulmonaria in Mediterranean old-growth forests
Brunialti GiorgioRavera SoniaFrati Luisasubject
geographygeography.geographical_feature_categoryBasal area Deadwood Forest continuity Habitat quality Lobaria pulmonaria Old-growth forests Tree circumferenceEcologybiologyEcologyGeneral Decision SciencesLobaria pulmonariaForest continuityOld-growth forestbiology.organism_classificationBasal areaBasal areaDeadwoodAbundance (ecology)Indicator speciesForest ecologyOld-growth forestsTree circumferenceLichenBeechEcology Evolution Behavior and SystematicsLobaria pulmonariaHabitat qualitydescription
a b s t r a c t We tested the hypothesis that structural variables related to old-growth features affect the distribution of Lobaria pulmonaria in a Mediterranean National Park of Italy. A total of 36 plots, with old-growth characteristics and representing overall three forest types (beech- oak- and mixed- forests) were studied. The lichen was absent in about half of the sites, suggesting that the selection of old-growth forests based solely on structural features is not sufficient to predict the presence of this species, which therefore proves to be rather sensitive and selective. Its abundance was related to high tree circumference and basal area, and to availability of deadwood, confirming the relevant effect of substrate and stand continuity in the conservation of this species and emphasizing its role of indicator species of undisturbed forest ecosystems with long ecological continuity.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-06-01 |