Ecology of the corticolous lichens on Pinus radiata at five sites of increasing age near Linton, Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Thirteen lichen species were studied on trunk segments of Pinus radiata D.Don between 1.0 and 1.5 m above-ground from five plantings of known, different ages near Linton, Victoria. Significant frequency and size-class differences were found for most species between sites. These parameters generally increased up to 32 years, and then either declined or showed evidence of recolonization by small thallus size-classes in some species. Nevertheless, only relict populations for any species were present at 52 years. Most species had no aspect preferences; only three species had a significant majority of their thalli on the western trunk face. Site-species association frequency analyses clustered, as pairs, the 11 and 52, and 16 and 39 year old sites. These site patterns were correlated with a number of environmental factors as well as species abundance at the sites, but there is also a possible response by the community to bark shedding, seen after 32 years, with a return to earlier colonization states in the system. This cyclic pattern is similar to a competitive hierarchy succession, although due to accelerating chronic disturbance (bark shedding) the system may be subject to secondary succession and, ultimately, to severe degradation.

Lichenometric dating (lichenometry) and the biology of the lichen genus rhizocarpon: challenges and future directions

“…Some studies have shown similar size–frequency distributions of Rhizocarpon thalli on different surfaces (Caseldine and Baker ), supporting the assumption that population dynamics may be similar, whereas other studies have reported that there could be significant variations on different surfaces within the same region (Armstrong ). In addition, Griffin and Conran () studied populations of corticolous lichens on Pinus radiata at five sites in Australia and reported significant differences in size–class frequency distributions among sites.…”

Successional changes in epiphytic rainforest lichens: implications for the management of rainforest communities

“…in Colorado, USA (Gough 1975). Conversely, some authors have suggested fissuring and flakiness as causing a decline in species richness for other tree species (Adams & Risser 1971; Yarranton 1972; Griffin & Conran 1994; Kuusinen 1996; Radies & Coxson 2004).…”

Aspidistras, amphipods and Oz: Niche opportunism between strangers in a strange land

“…Millipedes and immature insects were classified to order, and mites were identified as being either Orobatid or Mesostigmatid. In addition, the abundance and type of pollen‐derived feces (recognizable by being bright yellow when fresh, aging to pale brown), were recorded for each flower and rank abundance coded (following Griffin & Conran 1994) as 3 (abundant: >25 pellets), 2 (common: 5–25), 1 (rare: <5) or 0 (absent) for the feces, as well as presence/absence of moldy pollen.…”