Mapping of Iranian Lichenized and Lichenicolous fungi

Mapping and atlas-based approaches have become indispensable in contemporary lichenology, serving as fundamental tools for documenting, analyzing, and interpreting the spatial distribution and ecological dynamics of lichen species.

Biodiversity Documentation and Spatial Analysis

Comprehensive maps compile geo-referenced occurrence records, enabling researchers to delineate the distributional ranges of lichen taxa. Such spatial compilations are critical for:

• Identifying Biodiversity Hotspots: Detailed maps help pinpoint areas of high lichen diversity and endemism, guiding subsequent field surveys and conservation prioritization.
  
  

• Facilitating Comparative Studies: Atlases that aggregate historical and contemporary data support temporal comparisons and enhance understanding of biogeographical patterns across regions .
  
  

Environmental Monitoring and Ecological Modelling

Lichens are widely recognized as sensitive bioindicators of environmental quality, particularly concerning air pollution and microclimatic variations. The use of maps and atlases in lichenology provides:

• Quantitative Baselines: Spatial datasets from atlases serve as baseline information against which ecological changes—such as those driven by anthropogenic activity or climate variability—can be measured.
  
  

• Predictive Modelling: Integrative GIS analyses, enabled by atlas-derived data, allow researchers to model the responses of lichen communities to environmental stressors, thereby supporting both environmental impact assessments and the development of conservation strategies .
  
  

Conservation Planning and Policy Implications

From a conservation standpoint, the synthesis of spatial data into accessible atlases aids in:

• Prioritizing Conservation Efforts: By highlighting regions with unique lichen assemblages or areas under environmental threat, maps inform resource allocation and habitat protection measures.
  
  

• Guiding Management Policies: Spatial analysis of lichen distributions contributes to policy formulation aimed at mitigating the impacts of urbanization, industrialization, and climate change on vulnerable ecosystems .
  
  

Educational and Collaborative Benefits

Atlases also serve as a critical educational resource, bridging the gap between academic research and public engagement. They provide:

• Visual Learning Tools: High-resolution maps and atlases enhance the dissemination of complex ecological information to students and citizen scientists, fostering broader interest in lichenology.
  
  

• Platforms for Collaborative Research: The standardized, spatially explicit data in atlases facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and meta-analyses that span multiple geographic scales .