Lichen Life in a Humid Afromontane Forest

Lichens diversities are informative indicators for assessing the health of the environment in which they are found. Deforestation and changing land uses alter population structure of, and ecosystem conditions for most biota. Identification by morphological and chemical spot tests showed a total of 89 species, in 27 families and 22 of these species were site-specific. Parmeliaceae and species of Usnea, Heterodermia and Dirinaria applanata dominated the area. The identified species occurred in six growth forms and were recorded from nine substrate types. Foliose and corticolous lichens were most represented. The highest number of species (79) with species diversity and richness values of 5.70 and 29.7% respectively and 17 restricted species were recorded in the most pristine site at elevations >1000 m. Identification keys produced in the study provide an instructive guide to the lichens of Mt Cameroon. Detailed species descriptions of 89 species contribute significantly to knowledge in the field. This study provides a wide spectrum of lichen species that inform the changes in our environment, with implications for management and conservation of forested landscapes worldwide.