BIOTA S04: Monitoring of lichen diversity in Southern Africa and the establishement of a management and analysis systems for georeferenced lichenological data
BMBF 01LC0024A
From 11/2003 to 10/2006Principal Investigator: Gerhard Rambold
Staff: Luciana Zedda
Luciana Zedda and Gerhard Rambold’s work under the BIOTA S04 project focused on understanding the diversity of soil lichens and their ecological importance in southern Africa. They emphasized the role of lichens as bioindicators, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Their research showed how environmental changes, such as shifts in climate and soil properties, impact lichen communities. By analyzing patterns along the BIOTA transects, they identified key ecological parameters that influence lichen diversity, including soil chemistry and moisture levels. Their studies also highlighted the potential of soil lichens as sensitive indicators of ecological shifts, providing a valuable tool for monitoring environmental health and climate change effects. This research has contributed to improved management strategies and increased awareness of the ecological significance of lichen diversity in southern Africa.