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Abstract
The distribution of the epiphytic macrolichen Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. was surveyed in the Regional Forest of Cansiglio, extending over 3,500 ha in the eastern part of the Veneto Pre-Alps (north-east Italy). Data on the main characteristics of the forest sites and on Lobaria trees were collected with the aim to evaluate the main ecological factors, related to forest composition and management, affecting the distribution of Lobaria pulmonaria. Lichen diversity was surveyed on 15 randomly selected Lobaria trees. A good correlation between macrolichens and the total number of species was found. The largest Lobaria populations are concentred in the north-eastern part of the forest, where mixed and multi-plane silver fir – beech formations prevail, and selective cutting is carried out. Our data has enabled us to develop some criteria for the identification of priority conservation sites for Lobaria pulmonaria and lichen diversity in the study area, improving the focus on biodiversity in the management of the forest.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Elena Piutti and the Regional Forestry Service personal for their kind support during the field work. We are also grateful to two anonymous referees for generously improving the clarity of the manuscript.
This work was financially supported by Veneto Agricoltura administration and by the EU (Reg. CE 1257/99; PSR measure 9, ID n. 03020509800008, “Bio-monitoring and forest management in the Cansiglio forest – NE Italy”).