Relationships between epiphytic lichen diversity and environmental factors in the çayiralan (Yozgat) region

In this study, the diversity of epiphytic lichens in the Çayıralan region of Yozgat, Turkey, and their relationships with environmental factors were investigated. To determine epiphytic lichen diversity, the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson indices were calculated using the BİÇEB program. Environmental factors were correlated using Pearson correlation analysis. The obtained results were modeled using multiple regression analysis and regression tree technique. As a result of the study, the diversity of epiphytic lichens on Pinus sylvestris was found to be associated with tree diameter, bark pH, and bark tissue. The diversity of epiphytic lichens on Quercus petrea was correlated with bark pH and bark thickness, while on Juniperus excelsa, it was related to bark thickness, bark pH, and tree age. The diversity of epiphytic lichens in all sampled areas was found to have relationships with bioclimatic variables including bio4, bio5, bio14, bio15 as well as environmental factors such as elevation, canopy closure, slope and aspect favourability. It is recommended to use the Shannon-Wiener index for calculating epiphytic lichen diversity. Additionally, the study recorded 90 species of epiphytic lichens from the Çayıralan region, with the species Rinodina pityrea being reported for the first time in Turkey.