Article

Progress in Turkish lichenology has been made in four areas: firstly, by evaluation of material collected by non-lichenologists during historical expeditions, secondly, by analyses of random collections made by lichenologists during sightseeing trips, thirdly, by special projects concerned with floristic studies, and finally through applied studies using lichens as environmental monitors. An analysis of the 361 papers covering these topics in relation to Turkey has been undertaken. Papers by Turkish authors, which first appeared in the 1980s, relate to floristics, chemistry, bioindication, microbiology and radioactivity, with a noticeable absence of publications on systematics, taxonomy, nomenclature and physiology. Lichenological studies are relevant to environmental interpretation in Turkey in different ways: the available database of floristic information can help to calculate the influence of changing agriculture and forestry management, focussing on eutrophication, afforestation and grazing by sheep and goats. The use of lichens to demonstrate fluctuations in air pollution has been demonstrated in Izmir, Eskişehir and Ankara. Further subjects in Turkey which need to be environmentally interpreted by means of lichens include radioactivity, tourism and global climatic change; initial studies in these areas are presented, and others are considered. Fortunately the increasing interest of young Turkish scientists in lichens and their involvement in the Turkish Lichen Association (TLT) receive recognition and support for their studies by officials in government. Nevertheless, much work needs to be done.