ASSESSMENT of Epiphytic Lichens in Mt.

Malambo Forest, Davao City,

Philippines

Vergil B. Tagalogon,1*, Andrea G. Azuelo 1, Arman P. Nuezca 1, Maricel M. Gonzales 2, Roselynn Grace
G. Montecillo 1, Nelmar T. Bacol 3, and Ehlrich Ray J. Magday1

1
Faculty of Science Education Department, College of Education, Central Mindanao University (CMU),
2
Master Teacher I, San Miguel National High School, Maramag, Bukidnon
3
Teacher I, Kuya National High School, Maramag, Bukidnon

*
Corresponding author, e-mail: veetagalogon1994@gmail.com

ABSTRACT:
The epiphytic lichen communities are widespread in tropical forest habitats where they are considered
an important component of the total biodiversity. Mt. Malambo forest reflects a cold-humid
environment, however the lichen flora species and analysis of their taxonomic characters was examined.
The present study examined the montane forest-associated lichens, diversity, and species composition
in Mt. Malambo, Davao City, Philippines. Specifically, the objectives are to: assess the distribution of
epiphytic lichens species occurring in the study area; determine the diversity status as to species richness
of the epiphytic lichens. The current study recorded the lichen species employing transect and quadrat
sampling method.

Taxonomic findings revealed a total of 97 lichen taxa belonging to 30 genera and 13 families. The lichen
species index value is 16 which indicate high species number. The families in their order of abundance
namely: Parmeliaceae, Lobariaceae, Collemataceae, Physciaceae, Cladoniaceae, Coccocarpiaceae,
Gyalectaceae, Lecanoraceae, Pannariaceae, Peltigeraceae, Pyrenulaceae, Graphidaceae, Ramilinaceae,
Hygrophoraceae, and Malmidiaceae. The need for comprehensive taxonomic-morphological analysis is
investigated. Moreover, the bioecological, characterization, nomenclature, and conservation research
plays significant in the field of systematics.

KEYWORDS:
Epiphytic; growth form; macrolichens; systematics; and taxa.