Message - 7th IAL Symposium

The 7 th International Association for Lichenology Symposium 2012
(2B-O5) Submission ID: IAL0220-00001
USING LICHENS TO EVALUATE TASMANIAN FORESTS
Kantvilas G. 1 , Jarman J. 1
1 Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Tasmanian Herbarium, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Lichens are a major component of forest biodiversity in Tasmania. However, using them to explore
broader ecological questions such as forest history, structure and composition is very much in its early stages,
unlike in Europe, for example, where the role of lichens as indicators of forest age and continuity is well-established.
In Tasmania, complications arise because the lichens are still incompletely known taxonomically; the
ecology and distribution of many species is likewise incompletely documented; there is a political imperative to
contribute lichen information to the forest management debate, even with incomplete data; and there is only a
limited understanding in the broader community of lichens themselves, their life-history and their habit ecology.
Comparisons of lichens from unlogged and from harvested, regenerating forests is one way that lichens can
contribute to the forestry debate. These comparisons can be undertaken in various ways; for example, using
indices of diversity, comparison of species composition, or comparing abundance of particular taxa. However,
these approaches do not fully take into account that species have individual responses to disturbance, different
habitat requirements and different conservation status. We present a preliminary classification of Tasmanian forest
lichens based on general field observations, targeted study of particular species, targeted study of particular
sites, and herbarium records. This classification offers a tool whereby the ecological quality of forest sites can
be evaluated.
(2B-O6) Submission ID: IAL0160-00001
ECOLOGICAL FACTORS AND POPULATION DYNAMICS OF LOBARIA PULMONARIA:
IS IT AN ENDANGERED SPECIES IN SPAIN?
Rubio-Salcedo M. 1 , Martínez I. 1 , Merinero S. 1 , Otálora M. G. 1
1 Biology and Geology, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Mostoles, Madrid, Spain
The aim of this study is to describe and analyze the key variables affecting Lobaria pulmonaria populations,
considering its ecology and population dynamics. For this purpose we defined environmental, demographic
and physiological variables in two different habitats establishing 4 plots in central Spain: 2 of them in
oak forests (Quercus pyrenaica), and 2 more in beech forests (two 1 ha, two 0.25 ha plots). All trees in each
plot were georeferenced, described and marked. Location, size, status, and presence of sexual and/or asexual
reproductive structures of all L. pulmonaria individuals in each plot were registered. Per plot, 200 individuals
were randomly selected and marked. Semiannually, pictures of those 800 individuals are being taken in order to
estimate potential reproductive changes and/or size variation. Monthly, we are also recording the physiological
variable Fv/Fm of those 800 individuals, as a stress indicator (at noon and at predawn). Besides, 360 sampling
squares (20x20cm) have also been set to find out L. pulmonaria establishment rates. Environmental factors
determining presence, abundance, size and reproductive capability will be analyzed using Generalized Lineal
Models and Generalized Lineal Mixed Models. Currently, 11680 L. pulmonaria individuals have been described.
Trees hosting L. pulmonaria individuals are thicker and have rougher bark. Lobaria pulmonaria shows different
patterns depending on forest type and among plots. One of the plots presents much lower population density
than the other three (100 individuals/ha vs. 9,000 individuals/ha). Phorophytes differences were also found on
height distribution pattern (individuals on beech grow grouped in the lower (