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Diversity, composition and distribution of lichens along elevational gradients in the tropical mountain forest of Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia

    Azlan Abas, Laily Din

Eco.mont Vol. 13 Nr. 1, pp. 4-11, 2020/12/30

Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management

doi: 10.1553/eco.mont-13-1s4

doi: 10.1553/eco.mont-13-1s4


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doi:10.1553/eco.mont-13-1s4



doi:10.1553/eco.mont-13-1s4

Abstract

This study aims to explore how lichen diversity, composition and distribution vary with altitude, and environmental factors (temperature and relative humidity). The study was conducted in the forest of Gunung Nuang, Selangor at five sites (at different altitudes) which were chosen as sampling stations. Forty-four lichen species were identified. Their diversity, composition and distribution correlated significantly with the forest’s altitude and environmental factors, increasing at higher altitudes. While Graphidaceae and Physciaceae species were present at all altitudes, the dominant species changed according to altitude: some species of Parmeliaceae were found only at higher altitudes (601–1 493 m), while C. xanthina and a few species from Physciaceae were present only at lower altitudes (0–600m). These findings will provide additional information about the lichens of the tropical montane forest of Malaysia, enhancing knowledge on how to manage and sustain lichens in this type of forest.

Keywords: biodiversity, epiphytic lichen, Malaysia, montane forest, tropical lichen