Published June 11, 2019 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Epiphytic lichens of the sacred natural site "Bosco di Sant'Antonio" (Majella National Park – Abruzzo)

  • 1. University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
  • 2. Unaffiliated, Sulmona, Italy
  • 3. University of Genova, Genova, Italy

Description

Sacred Natural Sites are relevant for biodiversity conservation, as in the case of forest sites that, across centuries, developed old growth structures and are now crucial for the conservation of epiphytic lichens and other specialized forest organisms. In this study, we investigated the epiphytic lichen flora of a small forest patch included in the Majella National Park (Abruzzo), whose old growth features and naturalness reflect its long lasting spiritual role that perfectly fits with the concept of Sacred Natural Site. Results revealed that the "Bosco di Sant'Antonio" hosts a rich and interesting epiphytic lichen flora, thus indicating the potential of this Sacred Natural Site for lichen conservation. Fifty-six species were found including two species newly recorded in Abruzzo, two red-listed species, and the sensitive species Lobaria pulmonaria. This study corroborates the hypothesis that sacred forest sites are relevant for the conservation of specialized epiphytic lichens. In particular, in the Italian forest landscape where old-growth stands are practically absent, sacred forest sites may provide unique old-growth structures and buffer anthropogenic disturbance.

Files

34639__1_201356_LE_309940.pdf

Files (266.3 kB)

Name Size Download all
md5:534cd97f5564ae8fbe9e442b76ce08ff
180.3 kB Preview Download
md5:1a5be8b5279bc84a82880a1df3bd81a9
86.0 kB Preview Download

Linked records