Monitoring of lichenic diversity in the surrounding area of the Urban Solid Waste Treatment Plant of Meia-Serra, Madeira, Portugal

The dataset contains records of epiphytic lichens observed in Santa Cruz, Madeira Island, Portugal, in the scope of the monitoring program of the Urban Solid Waste Treatment Plant of Meia-Serra. The diversity of lichens was used in this study as an indicator of air quality in the areas surrounding the treatment plant. The dataset includes measurements of lichen species coverage in 10x20 cm quadrats, performed in six stations plus a remote location. The surveys were performed twice a year, between May 2002 and January 2007. Lichens were identified at the species level, whenever possible, and the phorophyte is also reported.