Background:

Lichens form a mutualistic association between a photosynthetic organism and fungi, important for soil formation, food, animal shelter, and environmental quality bioindicators. In Mexico, lichen studies have been concentrated in the center and south region, being scarce in Chihuahua, mainly in temperate forests of the Sierra Tarahumara.

Objective:

To develop a lichen taxonomic inventory in the forests of the Sierra Tarahumara, Chihuahua.

Methods:

Lichens were collected in 17 zones in the Sierra Tarahumara, during June-August from 2009 to 2020. The quadrant technique (four plots of 25 × 50 m) was used. Lichens were searched in different substrates to collect them. The identification was carried out throughout macro and micromorphological studies.

Results and conclusions:

67 species belonging to three classes, nine orders, 16 families and 33 genera were identified. The Parmeliaceae family (31 spp.) was the most frequent, 11 new records are reported for Chihuahua, including taxa with potential bioindicator of atmospheric and soil contamination (Cladonia spp. and Flavopunctelia praesignis). Foliose thallus (35 spp.) and epiphytic lichens (48 spp.) were predominant. This study represents the first of its kind for Chihuahua; it is recommended to increase the sampling areas to integrate other ecosystems such as dry forest and scrubland.

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