Effects of forest continuity and tree age on epiphytic lichen biota in coniferous forests in Estonia

Epiphytic lichen biota on Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris in Estonia was studied. Twenty-one spruce and 21 pine sample plots were located in old forests with long forest continuity, and 12 spruce and 12 pine sample plots in young first-generation forests (<100 years). Altogether 103 lichen species were recorded on the 330 sampled trees. Lichen species richness per plot was significantly higher in old forests in case of both tree species; 31 lichen species, including red-listed and protected species, were found only in old forests. Tree age had a positive effect on lichen species richness on tree stem in old and young spruce forests and in young pine forests. Tree age also had an effect on the presence of several species. Both tree age and forest continuity affected lichen species composition. Arthonia leucopellaea, Chrysothrix spp. and Lecanactis abietina were found in at least every third old spruce or pine forest and in no young forests, and can be regarded as good indicators of old coniferous forests with long continuity in Estonia.