Kamaluddin Kamaluddin, Emanuel MY Hanoe, Vinsensia Ulia Rita Sila

Exploration of Lichenes in the Mutis Mount Area, Noepesu Village, West Miomaffo District

Introduction

exploration of lichenes in the mutis mount area, noepesu village, west miomaffo district. Explore and identify 29 Lichenes species across 12 families in Mutis Mount Area, Noepesu Village. Discover Crustose, Foliose, Fructicose, and Squamulose forms on diverse substrates.

Abstract

This study aims to explore and identify the types of Lichenes that exist at the Mutis Mount Area, Noepesu Village, West Miomaffo District, and the Biology Education Laboratory, University of Timor. This research was conducted for 6 months starting from May-October 2022. This research is descriptive qualitative research. Sampling used a purposive sampling method. The collected Lichenes were identified based on their characteristics using the determination key and then matched with the photo collection. Morphological observation of lichenes was conducted at the Biology Education Laboratory, University of Timor using a microscope. The result of observations and collections based on this research conducted in the Mutis Mount area found 29 species of Lichenes with 12 families, the species found were Septennium azureum, Parmotrema tinctorum, Parmotrema perlatum, Parmelia sulcate, Parmelia sp, Flavoparmelia afternoondians, Usnea hirta, Usnea sp 1, Pyxine subcinerea, Cryptothecia sp, Dirinaria sp, Lepraria Lobificans, Lepraria incana, Lepraria sp 1, Hydropunctaria maura, Candelariella sp, Arthonia ilicina, Arthonia Radiata, Arthonia Clemens, Graphis Scipta, Graphis sp1, Graphis sp2, Graphis sp3, Graphis sp4, Graphis sp5, Graphis sp6, Ramalina farinaceae, Cryptothechia striata, and Bacidia insularis. Lichenes were found in soil, weathered wood, tree trunks, and rocks with thallus morphology, namely Crustose, Foliose, Fructicose, and Squamulose.

Review

The study "Exploration of Lichenes in the Mutis Mount Area, Noepesu Village, West Miomaffo District" presents a valuable floristic survey, focusing on the diversity of lichens in a specific and seemingly under-explored region. The objective to explore and identify lichen species is clearly stated and directly addressed by the research. Documenting biodiversity, especially for less-studied groups like lichens in particular geographic areas, is an an important contribution to ecological knowledge and can serve as a baseline for future research and conservation efforts. The commitment to a six-month research period indicates a thorough approach to fieldwork and collection. The methodology employed, described as descriptive qualitative, utilized purposive sampling for collection and standard morphological observation techniques, including microscopic examination and the use of determination keys and photo collections, for identification. This approach is appropriate for an initial biodiversity survey. The research successfully identified a significant number of species, reporting 29 species from 12 families, which is a commendable outcome for a regional exploration. The abstract provides a detailed list of identified species, even noting several instances requiring further resolution (e.g., 'sp.' designations), and categorizes them by substrate (soil, weathered wood, tree trunks, rocks) and thallus morphology (Crustose, Foliose, Fructicose, Squamulose), offering a good initial characterization of the lichen community. This study makes a significant contribution to understanding lichen diversity in the Mutis Mount area, filling a gap in local ecological knowledge. The findings provide crucial baseline data for the region, which can inform ecological studies, environmental monitoring (as lichens are bioindicators), and conservation strategies. While the descriptive qualitative nature of the research effectively addresses its primary aim, the abstract hints at opportunities for deeper scientific inquiry. Future work could benefit from resolving the unidentified 'sp.' designations, possibly through more advanced taxonomic methods including molecular analyses, and by exploring ecological relationships, population dynamics, or the environmental factors influencing the observed distribution of these lichen species. Overall, this research represents a solid foundational contribution to regional lichenology.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.