Tree-Dependent Lichens and Beetles as Indicators in Conservation Forests.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Forestry

Background:

• Identifying reliable bioindicators is crucial for effective forest conservation.
• The lichen Lobaria pulmonaria is a conspicuous species in hemiboreal forests.
• Previous research suggests certain species can indicate forest continuity and biodiversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if Lobaria pulmonaria can indicate the number of red-listed, tree-dependent species in southern Swedish forests.
• To assess the correlation between forest stand area and the presence of red-listed lichens and wood beetles.
• To investigate the relationship between L. pulmonaria and specific groups of red-listed wood beetles (dead-tree vs. hollow-tree dependent).

Main Methods:

• Studied 18 naturally regenerated, old deciduous forest plots of high conservation value in southern Sweden.
• Assessed the presence and abundance of Lobaria pulmonaria, red-listed lichens, and red-listed wood beetles.
• Correlated species counts with forest stand area and the presence/absence of L. pulmonaria.

Main Results:

• Forest stand area was not correlated with the number of red-listed tree lichens or wood beetles.
• Stands with L. pulmonaria had significantly more red-listed lichens (median 9) compared to stands without (median 1).
• Stands with L. pulmonaria had more red-listed wood beetles dependent on hollow trees (median 7) than those without (median 3).

Conclusions:

• Lobaria pulmonaria is a reliable indicator for the presence of numerous red-listed lichens.
• L. pulmonaria also indicates a higher abundance of red-listed wood beetles associated with hollow trees.
• Further research is needed to identify diverse bioindicators for different forest continuity types.