The Epiphytic Lichens Species Diversity in the Selo Merbabu Hiking Trail, Mount Merbabu National Park, Central Java, Indonesia

Study of lichen biodiversity has the potential to serve as biomonitoring of the ecosystem in protected areas, such as Mount Merbabu National Park (MMbNP). This area is characterised by a high diversity of species, particularly lichen species, attributable to the presence of optimal ecological factors conducive to lichen growth. However, contemporary human activities, such as hiking, may potentially impact lichen diversity in this region. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive study on lichen diversity in this area. The objective of this research is to study the diversity of lichen species in the MMbNP, with a particular focus on the Selo Merbabu Hiking Trail. Data collection was carried out using the purposive sampling method. Species identification was based on morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics. Several environmental parameters were also measured, such as pH of host tree bark, air humidity, air temperature, rainfall, and altitude. The sampling technique was purposive random sampling. A total of 36 species were identified and grouped into fifteen families, with Parmeliaceae being the most dominant family. The study site exhibited high lichen diversity with a Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index value of H' 3.30. Foliose lichens showed the highest diversity (H 2.79), followed by crustose lichens with moderate diversity (H' 2.06) and fruticose lichens with moderate diversity (H' 1,64). The identification key used to identify the species is presented in this article. Environmental factors such as air temperature, air humidity, pH, and rainfall were identified as the main drivers influencing the lichen diversity in the area. © 2026, J. Tropical Biodiversity Biotechnology (CC BY-SA 4.0)