Diversity of macrolichens in the Barluk Mountain National Nature Reserve in Xinjiang, China

Abstract

The Barluk Mountain National Nature Reserve of Xinjiang, China is known as a paradise of wildlife, that includes a great diversity of lichens attributed to its unique geology and geography that enhances the value for study and conservation. From 2021 to 2023, surveys were undertaken to determine the diversity of macrolichens in relation to altitude in all parts of the Nature Reserve. A total of 670 macrolichens were collected of which 106 taxa were identified as distinct and comprised of of 102 species, 2 subspecies and 2 varieties within 31 lichen genera, Cladonia had the highest number of species with 21, followed by Peltigera (14 species). The greatest number of macro lichens was found between 1200 to 1800 m elevation. (69 species, 65.1% of the total number of species) followed by 900m to 1199m (56 species, 52.8% of the total). Foliose lichens comprised 67.9% of the total number of species, with 452 specimens, squamulose were 21.7%, with 152 specimens, and fruticose were 10.4%, with 66 specimens.