IDENTIFICATION OF LICHEN BASED ON SUBSTRATE IN BALE VILLAGE, TANANTOVEA DISTRICT, DONGGALA REGENCY

Lichens are associations between fungi and photosynthetic symbionts, such as algae or cyanobacteria, that form stable and specialized
thallus structures. The fungi that predominantly compose the lichen body belong to the Ascomycetes, while the algal partners contribute
to the overall structure. This association enhances the ability of both fungi and algae to survive in suboptimal environmental conditions
because the thallus structure, physiology, and chemical synthesis of lichens differ from those of the individual fungi or algae that
constitute them. Lichens are lower plants that occur in various habitats worldwide and dominate terrestrial ecosystems, covering
approximately 8% of the Earth’s land surface. Globally, around 20,000 lichen species have been reported, whereas in Indonesia, 595
species or about 3% of the world’s total have been documented. This study aimed to identify lichen species based on their substrates in
the Bale Village area, Tanantovea District, Donggala Regency. The sampling method used was the exploration method. Lichen samples
were collected from various substrates, followed by direct macroscopic observations to identify the species obtained. Research sites were
determined using purposive sampling, selected based on the environmental conditions and the diversity of substrates where lichens grow.
Three locations were designated as research stations: Station 1 (residential area), Station 2 (forest and river area, partly used as a tourist
site), and Station 3 (forest area and local plantations). The results of this study identified 10 lichen species belonging to 5 families and
found on 3 types of substrates. Environmental parameter measurements at the research sites showed an average temperature of 27.66°C,
air humidity of 66%, and light intensity of 828.66 cd. These values indicate warm, humid conditions with moderate to highlight intensity
conditions generally optimal for the growth and development of lichens.