The influence of slope exposure on lichen distribution on coastal rocks (Chusovaya River, Middle Urals)

Lichen cover was studied on coastal rocky outcrops in the Chusovaya River valley using geobotanical methods. The influence of slope orientation on lichen distribution on rocks was analyzed. The work was carried out in the middle reaches of the Chusovaya River on the territory of the Sverdlovsk Oblast and Perm Krai. A total of 712 survey plots of 30×30 cm were made. It was revealed that the influence of exposure is expressed in the change in the number of species and the value of projective cover of lichens. The highest number of species was recorded on rocks with southern exposure (74 species). The highest index of species similarity was observed for species lists from south-eastern and eastern cliffs (Jaccard's coefficient equals 0,42). The projective cover of species of different life forms differs. The coverage of scaly lichens is greater in the north and west, leafy lichens in the south and southeast, and bushy lichens in the southwest.