83 research outputs found
Drivers of lichen species richness at multiple spatial scales in temperate forests
Only few studies analysing lichen diversity have simultaneously considered
interactions among drivers that operate at different spatial and temporal scales.
Aims: The aims of this study were to evaluate the relative importance of host tree, and local,
landscape and historical factors in explaining lichen diversity in managed temperate forests, and
to test the potential interactions among factors acting at different spatial scales.
Methods: Thirty-five stands were selected in the Őrség region, western Hungary. Linear models
and multi-model inference within an information-theory framework were used to evaluate the
role of different variables on lichen species richness.
Results: Drivers at multiple spatial scales contributed to shaping lichen species richness both at
the tree and plot levels. Tree level species richness was related to both tree and plot level
factors. With increasing relative diffuse light lichen species richness increased; this effect was
stronger on higher than on lower part of the trunks. At the plot-scale, species richness was
affected by local drivers. Landscape and historical factors had no or only marginal effect.
Conclusions: Lichen conservation in temperate managed forests could be improved if the
complex interactions among host tree quality and availability, micro-climatic conditions, and
management were taken into consideration
Factors influencing epiphytic bryophyte and lichen species richness at different spatial scales in managed temperate forests
The effect of management related factors on species richness of epiphytic
bryophytes and lichens was studied in managed deciduous-coniferous mixed
forests in Western-Hungary. At the stand level, the potential explanatory
variables were tree species composition, stand structure, microclimate and
light conditions, landscape and historical variables; while at tree level host
tree species, tree size and light were studied. Species richness of the two
epiphyte groups was positively correlated. Both for lichen and bryophyte plot
level richness, the composition and diversity of tree species and the abundance of shrub layer were the most influential positive factors. Besides, for
bryophytes the presence of large trees, while for lichens amount and
heterogeneity of light were important. Tree level richness was mainly
determined by host tree species for both groups. For bryophytes oaks, while for lichens oaks and hornbeam turned out the most favourable hosts. Tree size
generally increased tree level species richness, except on pine for bryophytes
and on hornbeam for lichens.
The key variables for epiphytic diversity of the region were directly
influenced by recent forest management; historical and landscape variables
were not influential. Forest management oriented to the conservation of
epiphyte s should focus on: (i) the maintenance of tree species diversity in
mixed stands; (ii) increment the proportion of deciduous trees (mainly oaks);
(iii) conserving large trees within the stands; (iv) providing the presence of
shrub and regeneration layer; (v) creating heterogeneous light conditions. For
these purposes tree selection and selective cutting management seem more
appropriate than shelterwood system
Identification and Characterization of RcMADS1, an AGL24 Ortholog from the Holoparasitic Plant Rafflesia cantleyi Solms-Laubach (Rafflesiaceae)
10.1371/journal.pone.0067243PLoS ONE86-POLN
Development of Secondary Woodland in Oak Wood Pastures Reduces the Richness of Rare Epiphytic Lichens
Wooded pastures with ancient trees were formerly abundant throughout Europe, but during the last century, grazing has largely been abandoned often resulting in dense forests. Ancient trees constitute habitat for many declining and threatened species, but the effects of secondary woodland on the biodiversity associated with these trees are largely unknown. We tested for difference in species richness, occurrence, and abundance of a set of nationally and regionally red-listed epiphytic lichens between ancient oaks located in secondary woodland and ancient oaks located in open conditions. We refined the test of the effect of secondary woodland by also including other explanatory variables. Species occurrence and abundance were modelled jointly using overdispersed zero-inflated Poisson models. The richness of the red-listed lichens on ancient oaks in secondary woodland was half of that compared with oaks growing in open conditions. The species-level analyses revealed that this was mainly the result of lower occupancy of two of the study species. The tree-level abundance of one species was also lower in secondary woodland. Potential explanations for this pattern are that the study lichens are adapted to desiccating conditions enhancing their population persistence by low competition or that open, windy conditions enhance their colonisation rate. This means that the development of secondary woodland is a threat to red-listed epiphytic lichens. We therefore suggest that woody vegetation is cleared and grazing resumed in abandoned oak pastures. Importantly, this will also benefit the vitality of the oaks
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