Habitat distribution of lichen species in rocky forest communities of Archangelsk region

Distribution of epilithic lichens along the ecotopes of rocky forest communities of the Windy Belt mountains (Archangelsk region) -Olovgora and Muroygora - was studied. The study of environmental parameters showed significant variations in illumination intensity according to the angle of the substrate surface. We assume that the light is the main factor influencing distribution of epilithic lichens in different types of rocky forests. Three types of ecotopes have been allocated. The number of lichen species, the angle of substrate surface, and intensity of illumination were instrumental in the process of ecotopes' allocation. These types are: I - horizontal negatively inclined rock surface (position under a rock), II - vertical rock surfaces, III - horizontal positively inclined rock surface. According to the obtained data, in the absence of the long-term environment destruction and in the presence of multiple microniches, development of epilithic lichen cover in rocky forest communities proceedes naturally from crustose lichens to foliose and fruticose biomorphs.