Altitudinal gradients of epiphytic macrolichens in the Atlantic Oakwoods of Borrowdale, Cumbria

Austrums, James (2013) Altitudinal gradients of epiphytic macrolichens in the Atlantic Oakwoods of Borrowdale, Cumbria. Masters dissertation, University of Cumbria. Item availability may be restricted.

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Abstract

This research project investigates species richness and species distribution of epiphytic macrolichen species in the canopies of two Atlantic oakwoods in Borrowdale Cumbria. These are a scarce woodland habitat type and are of international conservation concern. Three altitude levels are sampled in two separate woods that have historically different management practices and this is considered in distribution evaluation. Percentage cover of Canopies are assess for the percentage cover of all macrolichen on fifteen branches of 10 cm diameter and 1 m length. Canopy access was gained using arboricultural methods. Results are analysed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests at p<0.05 significance levels. Results identified three species that occur in a greater abundance than others identified. These three species show clear preference for different altitudes along the fellside. Hypotrachyna laevigata is more prolific at the highest sample altitude, Flavoparmelia caperata abundance is highest at the middle sampled altitude and Plastismatia glauca occurrence is highest at the lowest elevation sampled. Both H. laevigata and P. glauca have a linear relationship with elevation. Hypotheses are discussed and further research to determine the factors that influence this distribution pattern is considered.

Item Type:	Thesis/Dissertation (Masters)
Departments:	Academic Departments > Science, Natural Resources & Outdoor Studies (SNROS) > Outdoor Studies
Additional Information:	Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the MSc Forest Ecosystem Management, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, University of Cumbria, September 2013.
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	12 Sep 2023 09:32
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 11:46
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/7296