Diversidad de líquenes de la familia Cladoniaceae en una zona no perturbada del páramo La Virgen, ubicado en el Parque Nacional Cayambe-Coca al noroeste de Pichicha

Abstract

Abstract: Cladoniaceae is a family of lichens whose demand for ecological conditions makes them specialized organisms. The objective of this work was to identify the diversity of the Cladoniaceae family in La Virgen páramo, in two undisturbed sites with altitudinal variation. Fifteen species were identified for both places that turned out to be equally diverse, where the site at lower altitude (site 2), presented the greatest richness. This variable also influenced the significant differences in species composition. Seven new records were identified for the province of Pichincha, and it was concluded that the genera Cladia and Cladonia prefer generally open sites with high humidity, without dominant herbaceous and shrubby vegetation, which are ideal for their development and diversification.