Remnants fragments preserve genetic diversity of the old forest lichen <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lobaria pulmonaria</Emphasis> in a fragmented Mediterranean mountain forest |
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Authors: | Mónica G Otálora Isabel Martínez Rocío Belinchón Ivo Widmer Gregorio Aragón Adrián Escudero Christoph Scheidegger |
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Institution: | 1.área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, ESCET,Universidad Rey Juan Carlos,Mostoles,Spain;2.WSL, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research,Birmensdorf,Switzerland |
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Abstract: | Fragmentation represents a serious threat to biodiversity worldwide, however its effects on epiphytic organisms is still poorly
understood. We study the effect of habitat fragmentation on the genetic population structure and diversity of the red-listed
epiphytic lichen, Lobaria pulmonaria, in a Mediterranean forest landscape. We tested the relative importance of forest patch quality, matrix surrounding fragments
and connectivity on the genetic variation within populations and the differentiation among them. A total of 855 thalli were
sampled in 44 plots (400 m2) of 31 suitable forest fragments (beeches and oaks), in the Sierra de Ayllón in central Spain. Variables related to landscape
attributes of the remnant forest patches such as size and connectivity and also the nature of the matrix or tree species had
no significant effects on the genetic diversity of L. pulmonaria. Values of genetic diversity (Nei’s) were only affected by habitat quality estimated as the age patches. Most of the variation
(76%) in all populations was observed at the smallest sampled unit (plots). Using multiple regression analysis, we found that
habitat quality is more important in explaining the genetic structure of the L. pulmonaria populations than spatial distance. The relatively high level of genetic diversity of the species in old forest patches regardless
of patch size indicates that habitat quality in a highly structured forest stand determines the population size and distribution
pattern of this species and its associated lichen community. Thus, conservation programmes of Mediterranean mountain forests
have to prioritize area and habitat quality of old forest patches. |
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