Tropical Ecology and Conservation [Monteverde Institute]

Alternative Title

Los efectos del borde y la contaminación en la riqueza, abundancia, y distribución de líquenes en Cañitas, Costa Rica

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Publication Date

November 2004

Abstract

Lichens are commonly known to be biological indicators of pollution and edge effects. Their use as indicators in temperate regions is well documented, however, less is known about their function as a bioindicator in the tropics. There is also debate over the consequences of edge effects, such as increased temperature, and less moisture and wind, on lichen richness and abundance. In this study lichen communities on tree trunks in three habitat sites (primary forest, pasture, and roadside) were examined. In total 88 trees were censused in order to determine lichen richness, abundance, and similarity. Overall 68 species of lichen were observed. The pasture site demonstrated the highest total number of species (42), average number of species (5.97), and average abundance (28% coverage). In contrast, the road showed the lowest total number of species (16), average number of species (2.39), and average abundance (.37%). It was speculated that these trends were due to the strong effects of edge and air pollution, however, these factors were not directly measured. The moist primary forest site appeared to have moss competing with lichen for area on the tree trunk, possibly limiting the number of species and abundance of lichen in that site. The highest similarity between sites was observed between the pasture and roadside, most likely due to the similarity of these two environments. Both were subject to edge effects, however the road had the additional pressures of air pollution and dust.

Resumen

Los líquenes son indicadores biológicos de contaminación y efectos de orilla. Su uso en regiones templadas está bien establecido, sin embargo, sabemos menos de su función como indicador biológico en el trópico. Además, hay desacuerdos acerca de las consecuencias del efecto de borde, como lo son el aumento de temperatura, la disminución de la humedad, y el viento sobre la riqueza y la abundancia de líquenes. En este estudio se examinaron tres hábitats (Bosque primario, potreros y borde del camino), 88 árboles fueron considerados y 68 especies de líquenes fueron considerados. Yo analicé comunidades de líquenes sobre los troncos de árboles en términos de la riqueza de especies, abundancia y similitud. El potrero mostró el número de especies (42), número promedio de especies (5.97) y abundancia promedio más altos (28%). Por otro lado, el camino mostró el número de especies (16), el numero promedio de especies (2.39), y abundancia promedio más bajos (.37%). Yo especulé que esto se debe a los efectos fuertes del borde y a la contaminación. El bosque primario húmedo pareció tener musgo compitiendo con liquen por el área en el tronco; por lo tanto posiblemente limita el número de especies y abundancia de líquenes en ese hábitat. La similitud más alta entre los sitios se observó entre el potrero y el camino, probablemente debido a la similitud de los dos terrenos. Los dos están sujetos a fuertes efectos del borde; sin embargo, el camino también exhibe las presiones adicionales de contaminación del aire y el polvo.

Keywords

Lichens--Ecology, Air--Pollution, CIEE Fall 2004

Palabras claves

Líquenes--Ecología, Aire--Contaminación, CIEE Primavera 2004

Extent

10 pages

Geographic Location

Cañitas (Guanacaste, Costa Rica)

Holding Location

Monteverde Institute

Language

English; Spanish

Media Type

Articles

Format

Digital Only

Identifier

M39-00191

Type

Book

The effects of edge and pollution on lichen richness, abundance, and distribution in Cañitas, Costa Rica, November 2004

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