The Reproductive Strategy as an Important Trait for the Distribution of Lower-Trunk Epiphytic Lichens in Old-Growth vs. Non-Old Growth Forests

Abstract

(1) Research Highlights: The work studied the beta diversity patterns of epiphytic lichens as a function of their reproductive strategies in old-growth and non-old growth forests from the Mediterranean area. (2) Background and Objectives: The reproductive strategies of lichens can drive the dispersal and distribution of species assemblages in forest ecosystems. To further investigate this issue, we analyzed data on epiphytic lichen diversity collected from old-growth and non-old growth forest sites (36 plots) located in Cilento National Park (South Italy). Our working hypothesis was that the dispersal abilities due to the different reproductive strategies drove species beta diversity depending on forest age and continuity. We expected a high turnover for sexually reproducing species and high nestedness for vegetative ones. We also considered the relationship between forest continuity and beta diversity in terms of species rarity. (3) Materials and Methods: we used the Bray–Curtis index of dissimilarity to partition lichen diversity into two components of beta diversity for different subsets (type of forest, reproductive strategy, and species rarity). (4) Results: The two forest types shared most of the common species and did not show significant differences in alpha and gamma diversity. The turnover of specific abundance was the main component of beta diversity, and was significantly greater for sexually reproducing species as compared to vegetative ones. These latter species had also the least turnover and greater nestedness in old-growth forests. Rare species showed higher turnover than common ones. (5) Conclusions: Our results suggest that sexually reproducing lichen species always have high turnover, while vegetative species tend to form nested assemblages, especially in old-growth forests. The rarity level contributes to the species turnover in lichen communities. Contrary to what one might expect, the differences between old-growth and non-old growth forests are not strong.

The impact of climate aridification on rare lichen communities

“…Allen & Lendemer (2016) emphasized the vulnerability of high-elevation lichens to climate change, highlighting a trend also observed in our study, where rare lichen species exhibit significant sensitivity to changing moisture regimes. Similarly, Brunialti et al (2021) and Fazan et al (2022) explored the reproductive strategies of epiphytic lichens, providing a context for understanding how aridification might affect lichen reproduction and, consequently, their long-term survival and distribution. Honegger (2022) and Khastini et al (2019) provided foundational knowledge on lichen biology and ecology, reinforcing the importance of studying lichen as indicators of environmental health.…”

“…This focus is not only driven by the need to understand their ecological role but also to use their responses to forecast environmental changes, including those induced by climate change. The loss of lichen diversity is increasingly being recognized as an indicator of broader ecological shifts, prompting a need for comprehensive studies in diverse geographical regions (Brunialti et al, 2021;Steinová et al, 2022;Lukashchuk et al, 2023). Such research is critical for developing conservation strategies and understanding the dynamic interplay between lichens and their environments on a global scale.…”

<i>Lobaria pulmonaria</i> as an umbrella species for the protection of epiphytic lichen diversity in Polish Carpathians

“…Lobaria pulmonaria usually inhabits old-growth forests, which is why it is perceived as an indicator of forest ecological continuity (e.g., Brunialti et al, 2015b;Whittet & Ellis, 2013), which reacts negatively to changes in the stand structure caused by forest management and human activity (Di Nuzzo et al, 2022;Edman et al, 2008;Jüriado & Liira, 2010;Otálora et al, 2011). e sensitivity of this species and its high ecological requirements make it a good indicator of key habitats for relic and rare epiphytic lichens in autochthonous or ancient forests (Brunialti et al, 2015a;Motiejūnaitė et al, 2004;Nilsson et al, 1995;Paoli et al, 2019).…”

Modeling of Species Distribution and Biodiversity in Forests

“…On comparing logged and unlogged stands in Mediterranean oak forests, Bianchi et al [15] pinpointed a lower growth of the threatened lichen Lobaria pulmonaria in the logged stands than in the unlogged ones. They suggested that effective conservation-oriented management for this species should be tailored the Still considering lichens, Brunialti et al [16] hypothesized that the dispersal abilities to the different reproductive strategies drive the species' beta diversity depending on forest age and continuity. They showed that sexually reproducing lichen species have high turnover, while vegetative species tend to form nested assemblages, especially in old-growth forests with respect to non-old-growth ones.…”