Lichen diversity and ecology in five EU habitats of interest of the Sexten Dolomiten Natural Park (S Tyrol – NE Italy)

A survey on lichen diversity was carried out in five EU habitats of interest of the Sexten Dolomiten Natural Park (S Tyrol, NE Italy). The aim was to evaluate the importance of lichens for biodiversity conservation in an alpine environment. Five 20 × 20 m plots were located in different habitats (codes: 6170, 4060, 9410, 4070, 6520) along an altitudinal gradient in the Tre Cime di Lavaredo area, from the alpine to the montane belts. In each plot a complete floristic survey was carried out on different substrates. 154 infrageneric taxa were found. The main differences among habitats are due to elevation, geomorphology, substrates and eutrophication. The percentage of rare species is higher in natural grasslands above treeline, and in Pinus mugo and Larix formations.