Epiphytic lichen diversity in Aladag fir (Abies nordmanniana (Steven) spach subsp. Equi-trojani (Asch.& Sint. ex Boiss.) Coode & Cullen) forest

In this study 56 taxa belonging to 33 genus from 36 sampling points have been identified in Aladag Fir Forest in Bolu Province. About 46% of these species are crustose, 27% are foliose, 14% are shrubby and 13% are furitucose. While the number of lichens and the Lichen diversity value index (LDV) were correlated positively with elevation, precipitation and average tree diameter, they are negatively related with temperature. The number of species mean was found 22 ± 2 at 1500-1620 m elevation the number of species at 900-1100 m altitude was 16 ± 3. The LDV index was highest ,35 ± 6, at 1500-1620 m altitude, and it was calculated as 27 ± 7 at 900-1100 m elevation. As the elevation increases, the diversity and the abundance of lichens increase partly due to the increasing rainfall. The highest lichen diversity and abundance were determined in stands those were designated for nature protection function. Keywords: Aladag, Lichen diversity, LDV