Characterization of Lichens in Rocks (Saxicolous) in the Bukit Barisan Forest Park, Tongkoh, Karo District, Indonesia
Ashar Hasairin
Adi Hartono
Rosliana Siregar
Lichens have a remarkable ability to thrive in various environments, including trees (corticolous), rocks (saxicolous), and soil (terricolous), without requiring elaborate living conditions. This study aims to gather data on saxicolous lichens in the Tahura (Taman Hutan Raya/Grand Forest Park) area, focusing on their diversity index, uniformity, kinship, distribution pattern, and ecological characteristics. Lichens were collected from rocks and identified directly at the State University of Medan Biology Laboratory. The roaming method was employed to study each lichen found on rocks. The findings revealed the presence of nine types of lichens with crustose thallus and foliose forms. The lichen diversity index (H' = 2.02) and uniformity index (E' = 2.776) were categorized as high. The distribution pattern of lichens showed clustering on Parmelia caperata, with a value of S' = 61.75. Genetic analysis divided the lichens into 7 groups, with the highest occurrence of the same character being 8 and the lowest 3. The habitat characteristics conducive to lichen growth and development in Forest Park include a temperature of 19.200 C, humidity of 87%, and rainfall of 130 mm. This study on saxicolous lichens in the Tahura area holds significant implications for biodiversity conservation and ecological understanding. By assessing these lichens' diversity, distribution patterns, and ecological characteristics, the research contributes to the conservation of unique habitats and provides valuable insights for their management. Additionally, the documentation of favorable environmental conditions for lichen growth provides baseline data for future studies on the impact of environmental changes. Overall, this study's findings shed light on the ecological significance of saxicolous lichens, aiding conservation strategies and advancing our understanding of these remarkable organisms in diverse environments.
Keywords:Characterization, Lichens, Parmelia caperata, Roaming method, Saxicolous
