Analysis of the Distribution of Epiphytic Corticolous Lichens in the Forests Along an Altitudinal Gradient in Barluk Mountain National Nature Reserve in Xinjiang, China

Epiphytic corticolous lichens are vital components of forest ecosystems, yet their species composition and distribution patterns along altitudinal gradients in the Populus tremula forests of Barluk Mountain National Nature Reserve, Xinjiang, China, remain understudied. This study analyzes the diversity and distribution of epiphytic corticolous lichens in these forests along an altitudinal gradient. Field research was conducted at six sites (940–1450 m) from June to July 2023–2024, with samples collected from 576 quadrats on 48 Populus tremula trees. Lichen identification involved morphological, anatomical, and chemical analyses. Data on cover and frequency were analyzed to calculate importance values (IV), diversity indices, and floristic similarity (Sørensen’s index). NMDS and TWINSPAN were used to explore distribution patterns along the altitude gradient. In total, 28 epiphytic lichen species were identified, with diversity indices peaking at 1040 m. Dominant species exhibited significant variations in IV across altitudes (P < 0.05), and NMDS/TWINSPAN revealed distinct community clustering associated with elevation. Sørensen’s index indicated a low similarity (<30%) between the highest and lowest altitude sites. This study provides a baseline for biodiversity conservation and forest management in arid and semi-arid land mountain ecosystems.