Diversidad de líquenes epífitos en el área urbana de Nueva Loja, Sucumbíos

Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed by the interaction between algae and fungi, capable of colonizing habitats where few species can survive, such as tree bark. However, lichens are subject to anthropogenic pressures including deforestation, urbanization, and land-use change. Consequently, the aim of this study was to assess the richness and diversity of epiphytic lichens in the main parks and avenues of the urban perimeter of Nueva Loja, Sucumbíos. In each park and avenue, 10 phorophytes (trees, shrubs, and palms) with a diameter at breast height greater than 10 cm were randomly selected. Alpha diversity was estimated using the Simpson index, species accumulation curves, and the Chao2 estimator, while beta diversity was analyzed through non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). A total of 117 epiphytic lichen species were identified, belonging to 18 families and 46 genera, with Graphis being the most abundant. Crustose lichens were the most representative, accounting for 70.1% of the records, and species distribution showed a homogeneous ordination. These results demonstrate a high richness and diversity of epiphytic lichens in the urban area of Nueva Loja, with no turnover among sampling sites, underscoring the importance of conserving urban green areas as key refuges for biodiversity preservation