Distribution features of epiphytic lichens on Populus maximowiczii in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city and its suburbs

The results of research of epiphytic lichens as bioindicators of the atmosphere pollution in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city and its suburbs are reported. Populus maximowiczii was chosen as the most common tree species in the plantings of the city as a lichen substrate. Control sites was chosen in natural habitats of Populus maximowiczii in surroundings of the city. In total, 47 lichen species were registered on bark of Populus maximowiczii on all sites. Three clusters of anthropogenic influence on lichens were defined by the results of the cluster analysis of 15 stations where species composition and occurrence frequency were registered. Four groups of lichen sensitivity to anthropogenic influence were identified according to confinement to these three clusters. The analysis of species distribution by the degree of sensitivity was made for each site.