Lichen Biodiversity Assessment in Asik-Asik Falls, Cotabato: Environmental Factors Influencing Species Distribution

Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, Cotabato, is characterized by its unique microclimatic conditions but remains poorly documented in terms of lichen biodiversity, despite lichens being valuable bioindicators of ecological health. To address this gap, a field assessment was conducted across three distinct microhabitats—trail vegetation, tree bark beside the waterfall, and exposed rock surfaces—where lichen species were photographed, sampled, and identified through morphological analysis. At the same time, environmental parameters such as pH, humidity, light exposure, and substrate type were recorded to assess their influence on distribution. A total of seven lichen species were confirmed, with foliose lichens from the genus Parmotrema emerging as the dominant group; tree substrates supported greater species diversity than rocky areas, and shaded, moisture-rich zones showed higher lichen abundance compared to exposed, drier surfaces. These findings demonstrate that microhabitat conditions, particularly substrate type and moisture availability, are critical determinants of lichen community structure in Asik-Asik Falls, providing essential baseline data for future ecological monitoring and conservation planning in tropical waterfall ecosystems.