Corticolous lichen diversity in the Quercus-Carpinus type to separate tree species (Case study: Nowshahr forests)

Although the ecological study of lichens in the temperate forests have a long history، but it is new scientific research and studies in Iran, especially little study has been made in Caspian forests about the diversity of lichen species. This study aims at examining and identifying the curticolus lichens in the south forests of Nowshahr in Quercus - Carpinus type. The sampling frame (60 × 40 cm) was placed at breast height of five tree species including Quercus macranthera, Carpinus orintalis, Acer campester, Acer hyrcanum and Acer campestar. A total of 300 quart of lichens was recorded, then using the diversity indices such as richness, evenness and diversity​were calculated for each tree species in this forest type. Duncan's test showed that Quercus macranthera had significantly higher diversity index ​​than the other species. This stems from the suitable ecological and morphological conditions of Quercus macranthera bark in the establishment of curticulos lichens.