Habitat types and lichen conservation in the Alps: Perspectives from a case study in the Stelvio National Park (Italy)

As a basis for promoting a lichen-oriented conservation strategy in alpine protected areas, this case study in the Stelvio National Park aims at comparing lichen communities of five habitats in terms of species richness and composition. Data are derived from an inventory in seven plots with five habitats each: (1) rural sites, (2) montane Picea abies-dominated forests, (3) subalpine Larix decidua/Pinus cembra-dominated forests, (4) small streams on siliceous bedrock, and (5) alpine mosaic of natural grasslands and siliceous rocks. In the analysis, three groups of species were considered: (1) all species, (2) species which in Italy are restricted to the Alps (referred to as "Alpic"), and (3) nationally rare species. A total of 428 species were found, including 79 Alpic and 59 nationally rare species. Substantial differences in the richness and composition of lichen species were found among the five habitats. In a conservation perspective, results indicated two main issues that should be considered: (1) each of the five habitat types contributes to lichen diversity by hosting different lichen assemblages and a pool of associated species and (2) forests managed by non-intensive practices and alpine mosaics should be prioritized in lichen conservation efforts, since they are the richest in Alpic and rare species.