Bjurkärr - Lavar och svampar i en unik småländsk bokskog

The old beech forest (250–300 yr) at Bjurkärr (core area 30 ha) in the province of Småland, S Sweden, was surveyed for epiphytic lichens of conservation concern in 1993–94. Several rare red-listed lichens were recorded, many with large populations. In 2011 the most endangered lichens were resurveyed because of the incorporation of Bjurkärr in the forthcoming Lake Åsnen national park. Most species of the 1993–94 survey were rediscovered, whereas some apparently had vanished as a result of substrate decomposition. In addition, ten more red-listed lichens were recorded in 2011, e.g. Arthonia arthonioides and Collema fragrans. We also recorded Biatora ligni-mollis, not previously reported from Sweden. In all, 39 red-listed lichens are currently known from the area. Few areas in Sweden host such large numbers of red-listed epiphytic lichens. In addition, the wood-inhabiting fungi on beech logs and snags were surveyed in 2011. The content of dead wood was high. A large number of red-listed or otherwise interesting wood-inhabiting fungi were recorded, e.g. Hericium erinaceus. Eleven fungal indicator species of valuable beech forests in Europe were recorded, the highest number for any Swedish beech forest. Factors explaining the high number of species of conservation concern include the long continuity of old, often slow-growing and damaged trees, the favourable geographical position in south Sweden, the suitable microclimate caused by the large neighbouring lake and the exemption from modern forestry.