Calicioid Lichens and Fungi of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Not a Healthy Population

A declining population of calicioid lichens and fungi, which thrive in older, undisturbed forests with clean air, has been documented in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The study identifies 54 taxa, noting their substrate preferences, distribution within the park, and representative specimens. These species serve as bioindicators for forest health and air quality, but their poor condition suggests significant ecological stress due to prolonged exposure to pollution and widespread insect and fungal damage. This raises concerns about the broader ecosystem's resilience in the park.

Selva, S. B. (2016). Calicioid Lichens and Fungi of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Not a Healthy Population. Evansia, 33(3), 106–122. https://doi.org/10.1639/0747-9859-33.3.106