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Cladinaspecies are likely to suffer the impact of human pressure, resulting in a potential, as well as currently unknown, extinction risk for some of them. In this study, we used herbarium specimen data and literature data combined with geographic information system (GIS)-based analyses to assess the threatened status of ItalianCladinaspecies according to IUCN criteria. A total of 485 records, reported during the period 1833–2013, were evaluated. Biological traits, habitat requirements and distribution patterns were used to infer species extinction risk. Extent of occurrence and area of occupancy have been calculated at the national scale, based on a 2 km × 2 km cell grid. The potential threats for the taxa were assessed using a decision-support protocol in order to set conservation targets for taxa lacking population viability analyses and habitat modelling data. The species were assigned to the IUCN categories mainly using the geographical criterion B, related to species with restricted and fragmented distribution and continuous declining trend, but the species have been tested against the maximum number of criteria for which data were available and/or appropriate. This has provided an opportunity to discuss some basic aspects of the process of lichen red-listing, suggesting some methodological improvements for the mat-forming ones. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite the fact that Italy is among the lichenologically best known areas worldwide, a national red list of lichens is still lacking. The aim of this work was to provide a red list of the epiphytic lichens of Italy which could facilitate the inclusion of lichens in national conservation plans. The evaluation of the species against International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria was based on data from multiple sources which represent the best available information on the epiphytic lichens of Italy. The species were assigned to the IUCN categories mainly using criteria D and B. A total of 368 species were evaluated: for 23 species, information is missing from more than 50 years and they were listed as regionally extinct, 64 as critically endangered, 75 as endangered, 74 as vulnerable, 58 as near threatened, 20 as least concern and 54 species as data deficient. Our results indicate that more than one-fourth of the epiphytic lichens of Italy are likely to be threatened, so that further research and effort are needed to include lichens in the main national conservation plans. Our results also highlight the lack of information that still hampers the rigorous evaluation of Italian lichens against IUCN criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Italian distribution of the rare boreal-circumpolar macrolichen Usnea longissima is revised on the basis of a critical re-evaluation of bibliographic and field data. Reported from all Alpine regions of Italy, the species presently survives only in two neighbouring Alpine valleys of Friuli and Veneto. The Friulian population consists of a few thalli on a single tree near the lake of Sauris, while in Veneto scattered populations were observed in nine stands of Val Visdende with ca. 200 colonised trees. The species seems to be locally extinct in Trentino-Alto Adige. Earlier records from Lombardy, Piedmont and Aosta Valley are wrong or at least questionable. Usnea longissima can be considered as critically endangered at the national level. Some recommendations for forest managers are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrological and floristic variation within a mire vegetation is mostly controlled by three ecological gradients: nutrient availability, acidity - alkalinity, and water table depth. The objectives of this study were: (a) to analyse the hydrochemistry of a mixed mire in relation to different habitat conditions; (b) to evaluate the patterns of vascular plant composition in relation to nutrient availability, acidity - alkainity, and water table depth, and to partition the pure effects of these gradients. Within a mixed mire, we sampled 36 smalling a growing season. Water chemistry proved to be significantly different between the various vegetation types. Two biological systems could be identified according to hydrochemistry and vascular plant composition: (1) several fen vegetation types lacking raised Sphagnum structures where the water chemistry reflected groundwater properties; (2) bog Sphagnum-dominated vegetation, where the convex shape of the mire surface prevented mixing with the groundwater. The results of the partitioning indicated that the acidity - alkalinity gradient was more important in controlling the patterns of plant distribution than water table depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synthesis of the epiphytic lichen vegetation on larch in the Italian Alps is presented. Vegetation types are described on the basis of a numerical classification of 291 relevés. They can be compared to a few well-known phytosociological unions found in other parts of the Alps. Some communities are restricted to subalpine areas with continental climate. Despite the homogeneity of the substrate, the flora is rich, with 98 species, several of which are rare, and hence of interest from a conservational point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of the epiphytic macrolichen Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. was surveyed in the Regional Forest of Cansiglio, extending over 3,500 ha in the eastern part of the Veneto Pre-Alps (north-east Italy). Data on the main characteristics of the forest sites and on Lobaria trees were collected with the aim to evaluate the main ecological factors, related to forest composition and management, affecting the distribution of Lobaria pulmonaria . Lichen diversity was surveyed on 15 randomly selected Lobaria trees. A good correlation between macrolichens and the total number of species was found. The largest Lobaria populations are concentred in the north-eastern part of the forest, where mixed and multi-plane silver fir – beech formations prevail, and selective cutting is carried out. Our data has enabled us to develop some criteria for the identification of priority conservation sites for Lobaria pulmonaria and lichen diversity in the study area, improving the focus on biodiversity in the management of the forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]