Distribution and community composition of lichens on mature mangroves (Avicennia marina subsp. australasica (Walp.) J.Everett) in New Zealand

PLoS One. 2017 Jun 30;12(6):e0180525. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180525. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Mangrove forests of a single trees species, Avicennia marina subsp. australasica are widespread in the upper North Island of New Zealand, but there is little available information on the diversity of epiphytes such as lichens within them. A survey of 200 trees from 20 mangrove sites recorded a total of 106 lichen species from 45 genera. Two of these species are considered to be 'Threatened', five 'At Risk' and 27 'Data Deficient'. Multiple regression indicated that tree diameter (DBH) and mean annual rain days positively influenced site species richness. Multidimensional scaling showed that sites from the same geographical region generally formed distinct clusters. Redundancy analysis indicated that mean annual wet days, latitude and DBH measurably influenced species composition.

MeSH terms

  • Avicennia*
  • Ecosystem
  • Lichens / classification*
  • New Zealand
  • Rhizophoraceae*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Unitec Institute of Technology internal fund (no number). The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.