Valoración de la diversidad de líquenes epífitos en bosques de quercíneas mediante un nuevo índice liquénico (IDLE). Aplicación a la Red Natura 2000

Abstract

A new diversity index for epiphytic lichens (IDLE) is proposed, incorporating richness, frequency and quality values. The study is developed in 346 forests distributed along Castilla-La Mancha region. Environmental variables were selected related to topography and landscape, structure and management of the forests and climate. General Linear Models (GLMs) were used to study the effect of the different environmental variables on the IDLE. The results indicate that the lichens diversity is mainly related to the management intensity, cover and age of forests. Moreover, we established 5 quantitative categories linked to a qualitative assessment of the lichens diversity: very high, high, moderate, low and very low. In relation to the success of the Natura 2000 network, our results show that the capability of this network to protect the forests with the higher values of lichens diversity seem to be guarantied.