Comparison of corticolous lichen species with the aim of bioindicators in harvested and control stands in natural beech forests in Nowshahr region

Due to the lack of studies on the effect of forest harvesting on lichen species in Hyrcanian forests, this research aimedto compare the indicator species in harvested and control stands of beech forests. This study was carried out in threeparcels 209, 234 and 241 of Shurab section 2 of Golband forestry plan in Nowshahr region (Mazandaran province).Sampling was made from all trees using 40 × 60 cm frames to record lichens type and frequency. The results of this studyshowed that 8 species of lichen belonging to 7 genera and 5 families were recorded in harvested beech forests while incontrol forests, 15 lichen species belong to 13 genera and 10 families were recorded. According to the findings of thisstudy, five species of lichen included Graphis scripta, Pertusaria albescens, Opegrapha vulgata, Lepraria lobificans andParmotrema perlatum in control stands and Lecanora thysanophora, Flavoparmelia caperata and Ramalina thrausta inharvested stands have been introduced as indicator species of beech forests. So, the assessment of human interference inbeech forests can be ascertained by examining these species and their presence or absence. In conclusion, it can be stated that the index species differed in both forests, indicating that forest utilization has caused changes in them