LICHENS The first data on the lichens of Gauja NP is found in the publications of the 19th century. In the beginning of the 20th century rigorous investigations of sandstone flora, including lichens were carried out under the supervision of N. Malta. Analysis of the literature and herbarium stored in the Department of Botany and Ecology at the University of Latvia testifies that 240 lichen species are found in Gauja NP. Nineteen of them are Latvian Red listed species (of a total of 34) and 32 are protected (of a total of 56). Among them are such rare species as Bryoria bicolor, Cystocoleus ebeneus, Dibaes baeomyces, Hypogymnia vittata, Peltigera venosa, Solorina saccata, Usnea florida and Lepraria lobificans. L. labificans was discovered in 2002 as a new species for Latvia.