NICHE SEPARATION AND OVERLAP IN TEE FOLIOSE LICHENS LOBARIA PULMONARIA (L.) HOFFM. AND L. VIRENS (WITH.) LAUNDON IN THE KILLARNEY OAK WOODS, IRELAND

An investigation of the lichens Lobaria pulmonaria and L. virens on the trunks of mature oak (Quercus spp) revealed differences in their ecological preferences. These species were found to occupy significantly different niches, with L. pulmonaria occurring in the more exposed sites. The niche widths were similar with respect to exposure and there was a high degree of overlap between the species, although they did not differ significantly in aspect preference. The chlorophyll content and biomass per unit area was similar for both species, but they showed strong morphological differences that could influence light capture. Fertility, measured as apothecium abundance, was greater in L. virens, but L. pulmonaria reproduced both asexually and asexually in this region. A recent decline in the abundance of Lobaria scrobiculata and the potential effects of deer grazing on the lichen flora are discussed.