Faculty of Biology UGM Collaborates with Mount Merapi National Park Authority to Conduct Research on Lichen Diversity

Through the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Research Grant, a team of students from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is conducting research on lichen diversity within the Mount Merapi National Park (TNGM). The team comprises Ananda Briliana Romadhona, Christabel Reviana Septianingtyas, Intan Luthfianawati, Irfan Agus Nugroho, Irfan Ari Prasetyo, and Laila Nurul Ilma, under the guidance of Ludmilla Fitri Untari, S.Si., M.Si., and field supervisor Dr. Pairah, S.Si., M.Si. The research project is titled “Diversity of Lichen Flora in the Musuk-Cepogo Resort Area of Mount Merapi National Park.”

Lichens are symbiotic organisms resulting from mutualism between fungi and algae. They play a role in biogeochemical cycles and hold significant potential for bioprospecting applications. Despite their ecological and biotechnological importance, lichen research remains scarce in Indonesia, including within the Mount Merapi National Park, which likely harbors high lichen biodiversity.

The study, conducted between August and November 2024, focused on three specific sites within the Musuk-Cepogo Resort Management Area (RPTN) of Mount Merapi National Park: Gunung Bibi Forest Block, Gobumi, and Sudimoro. Specimen identification was carried out in the Plant Systematics Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, using morphological, anatomical, and secondary metabolite tests, including spot tests.
The research identified 65 lichen species across 26 genera from the three study sites, indicating a relatively high diversity in the area. These findings contribute to the understanding of Indonesia’s floral biodiversity and underline the ecological significance of lichens in tropical forest ecosystems.

This study aims to enhance knowledge of Indonesia’s flora and provide a valuable contribution to society. The expected outcome from this research is a Monograph of Lichen Flora in Mount Merapi National Park, which will serve as a resource for conservation efforts and further scientific inquiry.