First contributions to the knowledge of lichens in ecosystems of Paso Pehuenche, Maule Region, Chile

Abstract

This study highlights the diversity of lichens distributed in the Paso Pehuenche area (km 121), a zone with no previous records of this group. The general objective was to contribute to lichen communities’ knowledge and understand the abiotic and biotic factors influencing their ecological distribution. The specific objectives were: (a) to know lichen diversity, (b) to determine the conservation status of the lichen species present in the area, and (c) to characterize the substrates they inhabit. The results reveal that lichen diversity is represented by 19 taxa (17 species and 2 genera), growing on three substrates: rocks, soil, and the bark of Austrocedrus chilensis. On rocky substrates, notable saxicolous species include Acarospora strigata, A. xanthophana, Lecidea atrobrunnea, Lecidea sp., Melanelixia fuliginosa, Ochrolechia austroamericana, Rhizocarpon geminatum, Rhizocarpon geographicum, Rhizoplaca melanophthalma, Umbilicaria hyperborea, Xanthoparmelia mougeotii, and one muscicolous species, Lepraria membranacea. Among corticolous species, Canoparmelia austroamericana, Collema sp., Lecanora albella, Lecidella elaeochromma, Physcia adscendens, Polycauliona candelaria, and Rinodina sophodes were identified. The most common reproductive strategy was sexual reproduction, followed by asexual reproduction (soredia). Of the total taxa identified, only 15.8 % have a conservation status in Chile, while 84.2 % remain uncategorized. These findings position these lichens as potential bioindicators in climate change, considering their reproductive strategies, photobiont types, and the substrates they colonize. These factors should be integrated into future efforts to categorize lichen species in Chile.