Philippine Journal of Science
152 (6A): 2077-2086, December 2023
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 15 Jun 2023
Lichens across Land Use Types of Mt. Musuan,
Bukidnon, Southern Philippines
Ermalene C. Taer1*, Manuela Dal Forno2,3, Bibiana Moncada4,5,6,
Victor B. Amoroso1,7, and Fulgent P. Coritico1,7
1Plant Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences,
Central Mindanao University, University Town, Musuan, Bukidnon 8710 Philippines
2Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Fort Worth Botanic Garden,
Fort Worth, Texas 76107 United States
3Department of Botany, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History,
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20560 United States
4Botanischer Garten, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8, 14195 Berlin, Germany
5Negaunee Integrative Research Center, The Field Museum,
1400 South Lake Shore, Chicago, Illinois 60605 United States
6Biología y Licenciatura en Biología, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas,
Cra. 4 No. 26D-54, Torre de Laboratorios, Herbario, Bogotá, Colombia
7Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao,
Central Mindanao University, University Town, Musuan, Bukidnon 8710 Philippines
*Corresponding author: s.taer.ermalene@cmu.edu.ph
[Download]
Taer E et al. 2023. Lichens across Land Use Types of Mt. Musuan,
Bukidnon, Southern Philippines. Philipp J Sci 152(6A): 2077–2086.
https://doi.org/10.56899/152.6A.04
ABSTRACT
Explorations on the knowledge and biodiversity of Philippine lichen fungi have progressed recently. However, comparatively little attention has been given to the species composition along a lowland secondary forest ecosystem. Thus, the study aimed to provide information on the occurrence of lichen species in relation to various land use types of Mt. Musuan of Mindanao Island, surrounded by forest fragments and cultivated agricultural areas. A series of transect walks and opportunistic sampling revealed a total of 38 lichen species distributed in 26 genera and 14 families. Among the land use types, the mixed species forest harbors the highest recorded species with 22, followed by teak forest and built-up (peak/summit) with 15 and 14 species, respectively. Lichens with the most represented families were revealed to be Graphidaceae with 10 species; Caliciaceae with six species; Physciaceae, Parmeliaceae, and Arthoniaceae with three species each; and Pyrenulaceae, Collemataceae, Letrouitiaceae, and Trypetheliaceae with two species each. Out of these collections, two species – viz. Letrouitia subvulpina (Nyl.) Hafellner and Pyrenula globifera (Eschw.) Aptroot – were new records in the Philippines. The results of this study will provide information to encourage effective management and biodiversity conservation efforts of various land use types, as lichens are sensitive to anthropogenic threats and pressures from environmental conditions.