Species Diversity of Lichens on the Territory of the Burabay National Park (Republic of Kazakhstan)

Abstract

Abstract The article provides an analysis of the distribution of lichen species across 11 test sites laid on the territory of the Burabay National Park in 2018–2019. The total area of the Burabay National Park is 129.3 thousand hectares, where more than 700 vascular plants grow. It was formed in 2000 in the northern part of the Republic of Kazakhstan in order to preserve the unique natural complex and use it for recreational, scientific and cultural purposes. It is part of the Shchuchinsko-Borovskaya resort area. Geographically, it is an island-type ring structure, which is an oasis surrounded by expanses of steppes. On the territory of the Burabay National Park there are multiple large lakes: Borovoe, Shuchye, Maloe and Bolshoe Chebachye, Maybalyk, Katarkol. To identify the full species composition of lichens, all types of substrates were examined on the test areas: the surface of trunks and branches of trees of different species and conditions (live, dry, dead wood), rotting wood, soil, stones. 44 species of lichens belonging to 9 families and 19 genera have been identified in the vicinity of the National Park. The taxonomic composition of lichenobiota is as follows: Peltigeraceae (3 species), Teloschistaceae (3), Lecideaceae (3), Physciaceae (5), Parmeliaceae (14), Cladoniaceae (13). The families Dermatocarpaceae, Verrucariaceae, and Lecanoraceae include one species each. The largest number of species of the National Park Burabay are represented by epiphytes.