Specific Vicariance of Two Primeval Lowland Forest Lichen Indicators

• DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0833-4
• Publication Date: 2017-02-15T17:31:35Z
• Authors: Dariusz Kubiak; Piotr Osyczka
• Keywords: Epiphyte; Indicator value; Vicariance; Old-growth forest; Hornbeam; Indicator species; Bryophyte

To date, the lichens Chrysothrix candelaris and Varicellaria hemisphaerica have been classified as accurate primeval lowland forest indicators. Both inhabit particularly valuable remnants of oak-hornbeam forests in Europe, but tend toward a specific kind vicariance on local scale. The present study was undertaken to determine habitat factors responsible for this phenomenon verify indicative conservation value these lichens. main spatial climatic parameters that, along with structure, potentially affect their distribution patterns abundance were analysed four complexes typical stands NE Poland. Fifty plots 400 m2 each chosen detailed examination stand structure epiphytic directly associated showed that localities two species barely overlap within same community relatively small geographical area. occurrence depends basically only microhabitat space provided by old oaks its role an indicator ecological continuity is limited. not tree sufficiently high moisture essential it requires proportion deciduous trees wide landscape Local landscape-level more important than current age stand. Regardless value, both deserve special protection status since they form unique assemblages exclusive epiphytes, including those value.