Patterns of epiphyte diversity in the Arenillas Ecological Reserve, Ecuador: A hotspot of lichen diversity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57188/manglar.2024.057Keywords:
Diversity, lichens, dry forest, crustose lichens, indicator speciesAbstract
Dry forests are characterized by high diversity and an extraordinary number of endemic species from different taxonomic groups, including lichens. However, their main threats are fragmentation, livestock farming, agriculture, and intensive logging. The aim of the research was to describe the diversity patterns of epiphytic lichens, as well as to determine indicator species of the main dry forest remnants of the Arenillas Ecological Reserve. The presence and coverage of epiphytic lichens were recorded using quadrants of 20 × 30 cm on 514 trees. An Indicator Species Analysis (ISA) was conducted to determine which lichen species potentially indicate dry forests. A total of 122 species were recorded, belonging to 22 families and 57 genera. Crustose growth type was the most abundant in dry forests, with 105 species, followed by foliose growth with 15 species, while fruticose and gelatinous types each had one species. Thirty epiphytic lichen species were identified as indicators of dry forests, with the species Coniocarpon cinnabarinum, Graphis subcontorta, Leucodecton occultum, Pyrenula subcongruens, and Syncesia leprobola showing the highest indication values and suggested for characterizing dry forests. The Arenillas Ecological Reserve can be considered a hotspot of lichen diversity in tropical dry forests, with a total of 122 species recorded, surpassing reports from countries like Colombia and Cuba. Therefore, crustose and foliose lichen species with narrow lobes are indicators of tropical dry forests.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Ángel Benítez, Darío Cruz, Teddy Ochoa-Pérez, Erika Yangua-Solano, Fausto López
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