Epiphytic macrolichen as indicators of environmental changes in a montane forest of Panama

Epiphytic macrolichen as indicators of environmental changes in a montane forest of Panama

Abstract

Introduction: Lichens are a symbiotic association between a mycobiont and a photobiont. They are important to tropical biodiversity and serve as bioindicators of forest conservation and continuity.

Location: Paso Ancho, Baru Volcano National Park, Chiriqui, Panama.

Methods: Three study zones were chosen based on vegetation density and light intensity, named savanna, transition, and forest zone. Additionally, two phorophytes, Comarostaphylis arbutoides (20 individuals per zone) and Quercus spp. (20 individuals per zone), which predominate in the study area, were selected. Data recorded for each phorophyte included diameter at breast height (DBH), light intensity, and altitude. Samples were identified and deposited in the collection of the UCH Herbarium at the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Panama).

To determine changes in species richness and composition of epiphytic macrolichen, generalized linear models (GLM) and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis were used.

Results: 47 species of corticolous macrolichens, belonging to three orders, seven families, and 14 genera, were identified. The savanna zone had the highest number of species, with 37, and the phorophyte with the greatest species richness was Comarostaphylis arbutoides, with 41 species. The generalized linear model indicates that zone and phorophyte species influence macrolichen species richness. However, the non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis shows an overlap of macrolichen communities across each zone and phorophyte.

Conclusions: The results indicate that Baru Volcano National Park is an area with a high diversity of corticolous macrolichen. Environmental factors such as light incidence and phorophyte traits influence the distribution and composition of macrolichen communities.

Our database includes a list of identified macrolichen species, along with the environmental and structural forest factors used for the development of this study.

A: Number of sampled phorophytes.

B: Host tree identity (Comarostaphylis arbutoides and Quercus spp.).

C: Study zones based on vegetation density (savanna, forest edge, and forest).

D: Altitude (m a.s.l.) at which each sampled tree was located.

E: Diameter at breast height (DBH) of each phorophyte.

F: Percentage of light incidence near each phorophyte.

G–BA: Macrolichen species and their presence (1) or absence (0) at the study site.