Factors influencing epiphytic bryophyte and lichen species richness at different spatial scales in managed temperate forests

The effect of management related factors on species richness of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens was studied in managed deciduous-coniferous mixed forests in Western-Hungary. At the stand level, the potential explanatory variables were tree species composition, stand structure, microclimate and light conditions, landscape and historical variables; while at tree level host tree species, tree size and light were studied. Species richness of the two epiphyte groups was positively correlated. Both for lichen and bryophyte plot level richness, the composition and diversity of tree species and the abundance of shrub layer were the most influential positive factors. Besides, for bryophytes the presence of large trees, while for lichens amount and heterogeneity of light were important. Tree level richness was mainly determined by host tree species for both groups. For bryophytes oaks, while for lichens oaks and hornbeam turned out the most favourable hosts. Tree size generally increased tree level species richness, except on pine for bryophytes and on hornbeam for lichens. The key variables for epiphytic diversity of the region were directly influenced by recent forest management; historical and landscape variables were not influential. Forest management oriented to the conservation of epiphytes should focus on: (i) the maintenance of tree species diversity in mixed stands; (ii) increment the proportion of deciduous trees (mainly oaks); (iii) conserving large trees within the stands; (iv) providing the presence of shrub and regeneration layer; (v) creating heterogeneous light conditions. For these purposes tree selection and selective cutting management seem more appropriate than shelterwood system.     

Cryptogamic epiphytes in primary and recovering upper montane oak forests of Costa Rica – species richness,community composition and ecology

Species richness, community composition and ecology of cryptogamic epiphytes (bryophytes, macrolichens) were studied in upper montane primary, early secondary and late secondary oak forests of the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica. Canopy trees of Quercus copeyensis were sampled with the aim of getting insight in patterns and processes of epiphyte succession and recovery of diversity in secondary forest following forest clearing. Species richness of cryptogamic epiphytes in secondary and primary forests were nearly the same, showing that primary forests are not necessarily more diverse than secondary forests. High species richness of secondary forests was presumed due to the closed canopy, resulting in permanently high atmospheric humidity in these forests. Similarity in species composition of secondary and primary forests increases with forest age, but after 40 years of succession one third (46 species) of primary forest species had not re-established in the secondary forest. Community composition in primary and secondary forests differed markedly and indicates that a long time is needed for the re-establishment of microhabitats and re-invasion of species and communities adapted to differentiated niches. Genera and species exclusive to primary forests are relevant as indicator taxa and conservation targets. Forty percent (68 species) of all species recorded are restricted to secondary forests, indicating the important contribution of secondary forest diversity to total species richness of the oak forests of Costa Rica.     

Edge effects on epiphytic communities in a Mediterranean Quercus pyrenaica forest

Question: What are the edge effect responses of epiphytic lichen communities in Mediterranean Quercus pyrenaica forest? Location: Central Spain. Methods: We established ten transects perpendicular to a road dissecting a well conserved remnant of Q. pyrenaica forest into two sections. Transects extended from the forest/road edge to 100 m into the forest. Data were collected from seven plots in each transect at different distances from the edge. Variables were grouped into stand scale variables (distance to edge, number of trees per plot, mean diameter per plot, irradiance) and tree scale variables (diameter and height of sampled trees, aspect of the sampled square and relative height of the square). We used General Mixed Linear Models and constrained ordination techniques to test the hypothesis that the spatio‐temporal heterogeneity of light and water controls the occurrence of lichens and bryophytes along the edge‐interior gradient in the Q. pyrenaica forest. Results: Microclimatic parameters vary in a non‐linear way; edge and interior stands showed the most divergent and extreme values. Although the micro‐environment within Mediterranean forests is heterogeneous, interior conditions are apparently suitable for the performance of some specific forest epiphytes. Consequently, species richness does not show significant differences along the gradient. Total epiphytic cover increases towards the forest interior, but distance to the edge together with other predictors at the tree scale (aspect and height of the square) are the most relevant predictors for the composition and structure of these communities. Conclusions: Composition and structure of epiphytic communities in a Mediterranean semi‐deciduous forest are affected by the edge between the forest and the road constructed. Since some extremely rare lichens only occur at interior stands, the conservation of these threatened elements requires urgent conservation measures because well preserved and unmanaged forests in the Mediterranean region are very rare.     

Functional diversity of epiphytes in two tropical lowland rainforests, French Guiana: using bryophyte life-forms to detect areas of high biodiversity

Recent studies have described a new tropical lowland forest type in the Guianas, the tropical lowland cloud forest. It is characterized by an enriched epiphytic species diversity particularly for bryophytes compared to common lowland rainforest, and is facilitated by frequent early morning fog events in valley locations. While the increase in epiphytic species diversity in lowland cloud forests has been documented, uncertainties remain as to (1) how this small scale variation in water supply is shaping the functional diversity of epiphytic components in lowland forests, and (2) whether information on functional group composition of epiphytes might aid in discerning these cloud forests from the common lowland rainforest. We compare the distribution of functional groups of epiphytes across height zones in lowland cloud forest and lowland rain forest of French Guiana in terms of biomass, cover as well as the composition of bryophyte life-forms. Both forests differed in functional composition of epiphytes in the canopy, in particular in the mid and outer canopy, with the cloud forest having a higher biomass and cover of bryophytes and vascular epiphytes as well as a richer bryophyte life-form composition. Bryophyte life-forms characteristic for cloud forests such as tail, weft and pendants were almost lacking in the canopies of common rain forest whereas they were frequent in lowland cloud forests. We suggest that ground-based evaluation of bryophyte life-form composition is a straightforward approach for identifying lowland cloud forest areas for conservation, which represent biodiversity hotspots in tropical lowland forests.     

Diversity of dry forest epiphytes along a gradient of human disturbance in the tropical Andes

Question: Disturbance effects on dry forest epiphytes are poorly known. How are epiphytic assemblages affected by different degrees of human disturbance, and what are the driving forces? Location: An inter‐Andean dry forest landscape at 2300 m elevation in northern Ecuador. Methods: We sampled epiphytic bryophytes and vascular plants on 100 trees of Acacia macracantha in five habitats: closed‐canopy mixed and pure acacia forest (old secondary), forest edge, young semi‐closed secondary woodland, and isolated trees in grassland. Results: Total species richness in forest edge habitats and on isolated trees was significantly lower than in closed forest types. Species density of vascular epiphytes (species per tree) did not differ significantly between habitat types. Species density of bryophytes, in contrast, was significantly lower in edge habitat and on isolated trees than in closed forest. Forest edge showed greater impoverishment than semi‐closed woodland and similar floristic affinity to isolated trees and to closed forest types. Assemblages were significantly nested; habitat types with major disturbance held only subsets of the closed forest assemblages, indicating a gradual reduction in niche availability. Distance to forest had no effect on species density of epiphytes on isolated trees, but species density was closely correlated with crown closure, a measure of canopy integrity. Main conclusions: Microclimatic changes but not dispersal constraints were key determinants of epiphyte assemblages following disturbance. Epiphytic cryptogams are sensitive indicators of microclimate and human disturbance in montane dry forests. The substantial impoverishment of edge habitat underlines the need for fragmentation studies on epiphytes elsewhere in the Tropics.     

Tree and stand-scale factors affecting richness and composition of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens in deciduous woodland key habitats

Conservation and sustainable forestry are essential in a multi-functional landscape. In this respect, ecological studies on epiphytes are needed to determine abiotic and biotic factors associated with high diversity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate relative sensitivity of conservation targets (epiphytic bryophytes and lichens) in relation to contrasting environmental variables (tree species, tree diameter at breast height, bark crevice depth, pH, tree inclination, pH, forest stand age, area and type) in boreo-nemoral forests. The study was conducted in Latvian 34 woodland key habitat (WKH) boreo-nemoral forest stands. Generalized linear mixed models and canonical correspondence analysis showed that tree species and tree bark pH were the most important variables explaining epiphytic bryophyte and lichen composition and richness (total, Red-listed, WKH indicator species). Forest stand level factors, such as stand size and habitat type, had only minor influence on epiphytic species composition and richness. The results of the present study indicate a need to maintain the diversity of tree species and large trees, particularly Acer platanoides, Carpinus betulus, Fraxinus excelsior, Populus tremula, Tilia cordata, Ulmus glabra and Ulmus laevis in conservation of epiphytic bryophyte and lichen communities in the future.     

Species richness,composition, and spatial distribution of vascular epiphytes in Amazonian black-water floodplain forests

This study examines the occurrence of vascular epiphytic species in Central Amazonian black-water floodplain forests (igapó) and considers whether their horizontal and vertical distribution is influenced by the flood pulse, as is the case with tree species (phorophytes). Research was conducted in sixteen forest plots the Jaú National Park. In these, epiphytes on all phorophytes with DBH ≥ 10 cm were identified. We measured flood height using the watermark left by the last high-water period, then estimated the height relative to the ground of every epiphytic individual. We recorded 653 individuals in 37 species, distributed on 109 phorophytes. Igapó floodplain forests have much lower richness and abundance of vascular epiphyte species than do other Amazonian forests. This may reflect the limitation of available sites for colonization (only 24.9% of studied trees were occupied by epiphytes). Holoepiphytes predominated, and the combined presence of a flood-pulse, linked to the nutrient-poor soil poor seems to limit the occurrence of nomadic vines. Horizontal distribution of epiphytes followed the distribution of phorophytes, which in turn followed the flood-level gradient. Also flooding interacted strongly with vertical zonation to determine species richness. As already well-reported for trees, and unlike reports of epiphytes in other floodplains, flooding strongly influenced richness and distribution of vascular epiphytes in the studied igapó forests.     

Disturbance effects on diversity of epiphytes and moths in a montane forest in Ecuador

We sampled the diversity of epiphytes (lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants) and moths (Geometridae, Arctiidae) in mature and recovering forest and in open vegetation in the montane belt in Ecuador. No uniform pattern of change in species richness was detected among the different taxonomic groups with increasing disturbance. Species richness of epiphytic bryophytes and vascular plants declined significantly from mature forest towards open vegetation. In contrast, species richness of epiphytic lichens did not change with increasing forest alteration, while that of geometrid moths was significantly higher in recovering forest compared with mature forest and open habitats. Arctiidae were significantly more species-rich in recovering forest and open vegetation than mature forest. Hence, for some organisms, modified habitats may play an important role for biodiversity conservation in the Andes, whereas others suffer from habitat disturbance. However, trends of changes in species composition following deforestation were surprisingly concordant across most studied epiphyte and moth taxa.     

影响广东黑石顶树附生苔藓分布的环境因子

通过对广东省黑石顶自然保护区内5个2500 m2样地内树附生苔藓的调查及有关环境因子的测定,研究了树附生苔藓的分布格局及其与环境因子的关系.树附生苔藓在不同高度的分布存在一定梯度,20 cm高处树附生苔藓的种类数与盖度均大于60 cm及更高处,且其群落优势种的数量组成与后者存在较大差异.不同树种附生苔藓盖度和种数差异较大.基于附生苔藓植物的盖度进行DCA排序及聚类分析将树种分成四组,马尾松(Pinus massoniana)因具有两种特有的网藓(巴西网藓Syrrhopodon prolifer和鞘刺网藓S.armatus)单独一组,福建青冈(Quercus chungii)亦与其余各种的差异均较大,形成一组,其余阔叶树种根据其所处的森林类型分成两组,针阔叶混交林内的阔叶树种和次生阔叶林内的阔叶树种各形成一组.对环境因子及树皮含水量和pH的分析显示,垂直梯度上空气湿度的差异可能是造成附生苔藓在不同高度分布差异的主要影响因子之一,不同树种附生苔藓的差异在一定程度上受树皮pH的影响,而与树皮含水量无关.同一树种上树附生苔藓的分布又在一定程度上受森林类型的影响.     

Assemblages of native bryophytes in secondary forests with introduced Quercus rubra

We have studied the diversity of bryophytes in planted Polish post‐agricultural forests dominated by the native Scots pine Pinus sylvestris and the alien (North American) red oak Quercus rubra. The planted sites would be suitable for a mesic coniferous forest (abbreviation: CFS) or mesic broadleaved forest (abbreviation: BFS). We analysed the structure and composition of the bryophyte assemblages in relation to forest site and substrate availability. Special attention was paid to the introduced Q. rubra as a host species for native bryophytes. A total of 54 bryophyte species (9 liverworts and 45 mosses) were found in the 90 plots ( = phytosociological relevés, 10 × 10 m in area; 45 at each forest site) studied. DCA analysis showed that the bryophyte assemblages of the P. sylvestris–Q. rubra secondary forest community differed significantly between CFS and BFS sites; the similarity of the composition of bryophyte species was 36.8%. The substrate preferences (epigeic, epixylic, epiphytic), as well as the growth form and life form of the recorded bryophytes, also differed between CFS and BFS, while the proportion of bryophytes that had a particular life strategy was very similar. The introduced Q. rubra was inhabited by 28 bryophyte species, including two liverworts. This tree hosted 64% of the CFS and 47% of BFS bryophyte flora and as a host for epiphytes the species successfully fulfilled the functional role of the native oaks (Q. robur and Q. petraea). Thus, the introduction of Q. rubra may contribute to the restoration of post‐agricultural forests and to the conservation of epiphytic bryophyte species. On the other hand, the negative impact of Q. rubra observed on the ground flora (including bryophytes) puts the benefits of Q. rubra for the conservation of native biodiversity in general in question.     

北京东灵山主要森林植被中苔藓植物的物种多样性

通过对北京东灵山地区32个样地植被及苔藓植物的调查,对主要森林植被中苔藓植物物种多样性进行分析。结果表明:东灵山主要森林植被中共有苔藓植物16科33属79种,优势科为青藓科(Brachytheciaceae)和绢藓科(Entodontaceae)等。密叶绢藓(Entodoncompressus)、小牛舌藓(Anomodon minor)等为优势种。地面生苔藓植物物种丰富度以落叶阔叶混交林中最大,白桦林中最小,苔藓植物群落相似性以辽东栎林与落叶阔叶林之间最高,以山杨林与油松林之间最低。树附生苔藓植物物种丰富度以落叶阔叶混交林中最大,油松林中最小;苔藓植物群落相似性以油松林和山杨林之间最高,华北落叶松林与白桦林之间最低。地面生和树附生苔藓植物多样性与林型、树种及其所形成的林内微环境相关。     

辽东山地古石河冰缘地貌森林生态系统苔藓物种多样性研究

基于9个20 m×30 m森林群落样地的调查数据,采用物种丰富度、α和β多样性指数,对辽东山地古石河冰缘地貌不同林型石生、树生苔藓植物物种多样性进行定量研究,采用皮尔逊相关分析方法对其影响因素进行分析。结果显示,古石河冰缘地貌苔藓植物共有26科46属59种;不同林型石生、树生苔藓植物物种丰富度和α多样性指数均为:暗针叶林针阔混交林落叶阔叶林;石生苔藓植物β多样性指数最高为落叶阔叶林-针阔混交林间(0.44),最低为落叶阔叶林-暗针叶林间(0.33);树生苔藓植物β多样性指数最高为针阔混交林-暗针叶林间(0.40),最低为落叶阔叶林-暗针叶林间(0.25);分析表明,林冠层郁闭度、海拔高度是影响辽东山地古石河冰缘地貌森林生态系统苔藓物种多样性的重要因子。     

Tree and stand level variables influencing diversity of lichens on temperate broad-leaved trees in boreo-nemoral floodplain forests

Tree and stand level variables affecting the species richness, cover and composition of epiphytic lichens on temperate broad-leaved trees (Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur, Tilia cordata, Ulmus glabra, and U. laevis) were analysed in floodplain forest stands in Estonia. The effect of tree species, substrate characteristics, and stand and regional variables were tested by partial canonical correspondence analysis (pCCA) and by general linear mixed models (GLMM). The most pronounced factors affecting the species richness, cover and composition of epiphytic lichens are acidity of tree bark, bryophyte cover and circumference of tree stems. Stand level characteristics have less effects on the species richness of epiphytic lichens, however, lichen cover and composition was influenced by stand age and light availability. The boreo-nemoral floodplain forests represent valuable habitats for epiphytic lichens. As substrate-related factors influence the species diversity of lichens on temperate broad-leaved trees differently, it is important to consider the effect of each tree species in biodiversity and conservation studies of lichens. Nomenclature Randlane et al. (2007) for lichens; Leht (2007) for vascular plants.     

Contribution of peeling host for epiphyte abundance in two tropical dry forests in the “El Cielo Biosphere Reserve”, Mexico

Host traits partly determine the abundance and species richness of epiphytes in tropical forests. It has been proposed that older trees with rough bark and evergreens often house more individuals and more epiphytic species than those with thin, smooth, and peeling bark, which harbor few epiphytes. We hypothesize (i) that epiphytes are more abundant and species-rich in the more shaded forest, which is related to bark roughness, and (ii) that epiphytes are distributed in the middle of the host, where microenvironmental conditions are more favorable to survival. We evaluated abundance, species richness, and vertical distribution of epiphytes in two tropical dry forests, according to the deciduousness and basal area of the trees. Moreover, we selected the most abundant epiphytes to test whether their distribution is related to a specific bark type and examine their vertical distribution in two dry forests. We distinguished a high abundance and species richness of epiphytes in the deciduous forest, although basal area and host species richness were higher in the semi-deciduous forest. In both forests, we found a positive relationship between epiphyte abundance and basal area. Higher abundance of epiphytes was related to the predominance of Tillandsia schiedeana, a drought-adapted species, in both forests. Unexpectedly, epiphytes abundantly colonized Bursera simaruba, a host with peeling bark and a very branched crown, where small individuals of T. schiedeana colonized abundantly toward the top of the crown. Our results show the importance of the tropical dry forest, particularly, B. simaruba, in maintaining epiphyte diversity in terms of T. schiedeana colonization.     

Effects of forest continuity and tree age on epiphytic lichen biota in coniferous forests in Estonia

Epiphytic lichen biota on Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris in Estonia was studied. Twenty-one spruce and 21 pine sample plots were located in old forests with long forest continuity, and 12 spruce and 12 pine sample plots in young first-generation forests (<100 years). Altogether 103 lichen species were recorded on the 330 sampled trees. Lichen species richness per plot was significantly higher in old forests in case of both tree species; 31 lichen species, including red-listed and protected species, were found only in old forests. Tree age had a positive effect on lichen species richness on tree stem in old and young spruce forests and in young pine forests. Tree age also had an effect on the presence of several species. Both tree age and forest continuity affected lichen species composition. Arthonia leucopellaea, Chrysothrix spp. and Lecanactis abietina were found in at least every third old spruce or pine forest and in no young forests, and can be regarded as good indicators of old coniferous forests with long continuity in Estonia.     

Responses of the distribution of four epiphytic cyanolichens to habitat changes in subtropical forests

 蓝藻地衣是附生植物类群的重要组成部分, 在森林生态系统的环境监测和养分循环中发挥着重要作用。该研究在云南哀牢山亚热带森林系统的2种原生和6种次生森林群落中, 以粉缘绵毛衣(Leioderma sorediatum)、天蓝猫耳衣(Leptogium azureum)、网肺衣(Lobaria retigera)和双缘牛皮叶(Sticta duplolimbata) 4种常见蓝藻地衣为对象, 共设立120个样地, 调查了它们在3 600株树木0–2 m树干上的分布, 探讨其分布特征及与森林类群、宿主种类以及林龄等生境因子的关系。研究发现4种蓝藻地衣在森林群落间的分布模式明显不同。除双缘牛皮叶的盖度和频度在原生苔藓矮林中最高外, 其他3种蓝藻地衣的最高值均出现于次生林如厚皮香(Ternstroemia gymnanthera)林和滇山杨(Populus bonatii)林中; 而哀牢山地区广布的原生木果柯(Lithocarpus xylocarpus)林中, 4种蓝藻地衣极为少见。4种地衣都能生长于10多个树种上, 但明显表现出对厚皮香、滇山杨和硬壳柯(Lithocarpus hancei)等树种的偏好性, 以及对小花山茶(Camellia forrestii)等的排斥性。森林群落的林龄、胸径、最大胸径、林冠开阔度、基面积、树木密度和树种多样性等因子的变化均对4种附生蓝藻地衣的分布产生重要影响, 但在景观尺度上影响程度相对较小, 在不同森林群落内部却有各自的重要作用。其中, 林龄、林冠开阔度和宿主胸径是影响蓝藻地衣分布的最重要的生境因子。     

Lichens and bryophytes as indicators of old‐growth features in Mediterranean forests

Abstract

This study is focused on the selection of variables affecting lichen and bryophyte diversity in Mediterranean deciduous forests. Plots representing two forest types (Fagus sylvatica and Quercus cerris forests) and two forest continuity categories (old‐growth (OG) and non‐OG forests) were selected in the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (Italy). The presence and the abundance of bryophytes and epiphytic lichens were recorded. Structural variables of the forests and vascular plant species richness have been used as predictors. A strong positive correspondence between the two groups of organisms was found. Higher species richness and the distribution of rare species are related to OG stands, while a qualitative (species composition) rather than a quantitative (species richness) difference between the two forest types was observed. Some species elsewhere considered as indicators of forest continuity, such as Lobaria pulmonaria, Antitrichia curtipendula, and Homalothecium sericeum, are associated with OG forests, independently from forest type, suggesting that they can be regarded as suitable indicators also in Mediterranean forests. Finally, our results suggest that old trees, high levels of basal area, a broad range of diameter classes, and high understory diversity are the main structural features affecting cryptogamic communities, while no correlation was found with the occurrence of deadwood.     

Tree hollows can affect epiphyte species composition

Tree hollows often harbor animals and microorganisms, thereby storing nutritive resources derived from their biological activities. The outflows from tree hollows can create unique microenvironments, which may affect communities of epiphytic organisms on trunk surfaces below the hollows. In this study, we tested whether the species richness and composition of epiphytic bryophytes (liverworts and mosses) and lichens differ above and below tree hollows of Aria japonica and Cercidiphyllum japonicum in a Japanese temperate forest. The species richness of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens did not differ above and below hollows; however, the species composition of bryophytes differed significantly above and below hollows. Indicator species analyses showed that the moss species Anomodon tristis and the liverwort species Porella vernicosa were significantly more common below than above hollows, while the liverwort species Radula japonica and four lichen species, including Leptogium cyanescens, occurred more frequently above than below hollows. Our results highlight that tree hollows can produce unique microenvironments on trunk surfaces that potentially contribute to the maintenance of epiphytic diversity on a local scale.     

Diversity and biogeography of vascular epiphytes in Western Amazonia, Yasuní, Ecuador

Aim Although vascular epiphytes are important components of species richness and complexity of Neotropical forests, vascular epiphytes are under‐represented in large scale biogeographical analyses. We studied the diversity, biogeography and floristic relationships of the epiphytic flora of the Yasuní region (Western Amazonia) in a Neotropical context, with special emphasis on the influence of the Andean flora on floristic composition and diversity of surrounding lowland forests. Location Western Amazonian lowland rainforest, Tiputini Biodiversity Station (0°38′ S 76°09′ W, 230 m a.s.l., 650 ha), Yasuní National Park, Ecuador. Methods We compared the vascular epiphyte flora of Yasuní with 16 published Neotropical epiphyte inventories. Secondly, based on a floristic database with records of more than 70,000 specimens of vascular epiphytes from the Neotropics the elevational composition of eight selected inventories was analysed in detail. Results The vascular epiphyte flora of Yasuní is characterized by a very high species richness (313 spp.). A moderate portion of species is endemic to the Upper Napo region (c. 10%). However, this figure is much higher than previous analyses primarily based on woody species suggested. Geographical ranges of these species match with a proposed Pleistocene forest refuge. Compared with Northern and Central Amazonian sites, Western Amazonian epiphyte communities are characterized by a higher portion of montane and submontane species. Species richness of vascular epiphytes at the sites was correlated with the amount of rainfall, which is negatively correlated with the number of dry months. Main conclusion Recent and historic patterns of rainfall are the driving forces behind diversity and floristic composition of vascular epiphytes in Western Amazonia: high annual rainfall in combination with low seasonality provides suitable conditions to harbour high species richness. The proximity to the Andes, the most important centre of speciation for most Neotropical epiphytic taxa, in combination with the climatic setting has allowed a continuous supply of species richness to the region. At least for epiphytes, the borderline between the Andean and Amazonian flora is much hazier than previously thought. Moreover, the comparatively moist climate in Western Amazonia during the Pleistocene has probably led to fewer extinctions and/or more speciation than in more affected surrounding lowlands.     

Bole epiphytic lichens as potential indicators of environmental change in subtropical forest ecosystems in southwest China

Lichen epiphytes are applied as excellent environmental indicators worldwide. However, very little is known about epiphytic lichen communities and their response to forest dynamics in subtropical China. This paper proposes the applications of the cover, diversity, and functional traits of epiphytic lichens to assess environmental changes associated with succession in subtropical forests of southwest China. Bole lichens were sampled from 120 plots of eight representative forest types in the Ailao Mountains. Total cover, species richness, diversity and community structure of bole lichens differed significantly among forest types, and the highest cover and diversity occurred in the Populus bonatii secondary forest (PBSF). Sixty-one indicator species were associated with particular forest types and more than 50% occurred in the PBSF. Both cover and diversity of most lichen functional groups varied regularly during forest succession. Lichen pioneer species were not displaced by competitively superior species as succession proceeds and cyanolichens were more prevalent in secondary forests. The results also highlight the importance of habitat variables such as canopy openness, host diversity, forest age, tree size, the size of the largest tree, tree density, and basal area on the lichen community. Consequently, our findings support the notion that epiphytic lichens, in terms of cover, diversity, species composition and functional traits can be used as effective indicators for large-scale and long-term forest monitoring. More importantly, the narrowly lobed foliose group was the best candidate indicator of environmental conditions in this region. The combined application of lichen indicator species and functional groups seemed to be a more reliable and more powerful method for monitoring forest dynamics in subtropical montane ecosystems.