MAPPING OF THE EPIPHYTIC LICHENS ON CONIFERS IN FINLAND IN THE YEARS 1985-86 AND 1995

A systematic mapping of thirteen epiphytic lichen species on conifers was carried out in Finland at the first time in 1985-86 and the second time in 1995. The aim of mapping work was to describe the regional di stribution of the most common epiphytic lichens and to assess air qual ity based on the abundance of epiphytic lichens. All lichen species de monstrated increases in their abundance between the years 1985 and 199 5. Scoliciosphorum chlorococcum, a species tolerant to air pollution, increased most in parts of the southern Finland where the nitrogen lev els are relatively high. This indicate increased levels of nutrients i n the forests. On the other hand, sensitive lichen species had become more common particularly in the central parts of the country, which is in agreement with decreasing sulphur deposition. The climate, tree sp ecies, stand age etc., however, mainly determining the distribution an d the abundance of epiphytic lichens in Finland. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd.