Lichen diversity on tree trunks in tropical dry forests is highly influenced by host tree traits

Tropical dry forests have been recognized as one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world due to deforestation. These ecosystems harbour a high endemicity of epiphytes, which play a major role in the functioning of the forests. Lichens constitute an important fraction of the epiphytes. These poikilohydric organisms respond drastically to disturbance, which is strongly linked to humidity and light availability. We hypothesized that richness...