PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH OF LICHENS IN THE ICE-FREE AREAS ADJOINING THE ARCTOWSKI REGION, ADMIRALTY BAY, KING GEORGE ISLAND, ANTARCTICA

The Antarctic lichens have been used as bioindicators in biomonitoring studies, having an important contribution to the floristic composition, and its existence is dependent on ice-free regions. The phytosociological data were obtained according to the Braun-Blanquet sampling method. This study compares the lichen formation of Arctowski region, using data collected during the Brazilian Antarctic Program expedition conducted in the austral summer of 2003/2004 and 2012/2013. According to data collected at the moment, increases of the lichens occurrences in the plant formations in the region were found. Studies indicate that abiotic factors, once linked to local factors can to affect the distribution of the communities in the environment. This essay suggests the fragility of lichen formation in the ice-free areas of Arctowski region. However, a long term evaluation as necessary to confirm this hypothesis. The phytosociological studies can contribute to the management of scientific activities involved with the Brazilian Antarctic Program.