The Budzisk nature reserve as a biocentre of lichen diversity in the Knyszyńska Large Forest (NE Poland)

Abstract

Budzisk nature reserve belongs to an old-growth forest Knyszyńska Large Forest complex. During the present study. 185 taxa of lichens, lichenicolous and saprobic fungi were recorded in the reserve. Seventy seven taxa of them are red-listed in Poland and NE Poland or are indicators of an old-growth forest. Consequently, the Budzisk reserve can be considered to be a biocentre of a diversity of lichens especially those characterislic of old-growth forests in NE Poland. During the study, the following rare and noteworthy species of lichens and allied fungi were found: Absconditella lignicola, Acrocordia cavata, Biatora ocelliformis, Fellhanera gyrophorica, Fellhaneropsis vezdae, Micarea hedlundii, Mycocalicium subtile, Pertusaria pupillaris, Phaeopyxis punctum, and Stenocybe pullatula. They have been recorted for the Knyszńska Large Forest for the first lime.