Floristic study and diversity of lichen species in highlands of Kuh-Asiab protected area in Kuhbanan (Kerman province, Iran)

Little attention has been devoted to lichens of Kerman province (Iran). This study was conducted to identify lichens in the Kuh-Asiab protected area of Kubanan located in the northernmost part of Kerman province. In this study, eight sites were chosen in the area. Sampling was carried out according to Random method. Height data were obtained from each site along with the abundance of lichen species. In addition, number and density of species and cover percentage of the species were measured. Thirty-one species belong to 19 genera and two vegetative forms were identified. Both the Shannon and Simpson indices were calculated and compared for each sampling site. Species richness was calculated according to Margalef and Menhinick indices. Our results suggested that, lichen species richness and diversity were increasing with increasing height. The results also showed significant differences in species diversity and richness among sampling sites.The highest number of indicators was observed in sites with average height. Comparison of indices showed that, Simpson diversity was the best indicator for showing the situation of the community.