The distribution, ecology and conservational status of the lichen genus Biatora in Central Europe

The genus Biatora is still undercollected in many parts of its distribution al range. On the basis of recent collections made by the authors and additi onal herbarium material not studied previously, more detailed statements on the ecology, distribution and conservational status of Biatora species in Central Europe are possible. Distribution maps are provided for B. fallax, B. mendax, B. ocelliformis, B. rufidula, B. sphaeroidiza, and B. vernalis. Biatora species are almost exclusively non-saxicolous and, in general, pref er humid habitats. Many species are chionophilous and extremely shade-toler ant. Three main distributional patterns can be observed: (sub-)arctic-alpin e species, sub-oceanic-montane species, and species of montane coniferous o r mixed coniferous forests. Biatora efflorescens, B. flavopunctata and B. s ubduplex are relatively frequent species and are not threatened. Biatora ru fidula and B, vacciniicola must be regarded as extinct in Central Europe. T he following species are reported for the first time from the respective co untries: B. chrysantha from Romania, B, efflorescens from Romania and Ukrai ne, B. fallax from Austria and Ukraine, B, mendax from the Czech Republic, B. ocelliformis from Romania, and B. sphaeroidiza from Germany, Austria, th e Czech Republic and Romania. (C) 1999 The British Lichen Society.