Lichen is fungi with a stable symbiotic state with algae. Many researchers think lichen growth needs a stable habitat, however, corticolous lichen uses unstable bark. Bark morphology may have a physical influence on the epiphytic of lichen and produce strength or weakness of disturbance for lichen. In this way, it is considered that the growth of corticolous lichen is affected by species-specific, or bark-morphology-specific factors. However, there is little research on the relationships between lichen growth and trees. With the above background, recoding lichen growth or bark morphology is important for developing habitat research in the future.
     In this research, I considered methods conducted at Ankarafantsika National Park which is in northeastern Madagascar and characterized by tropical dry forest and white sand forest. Then I discuss new methods we should take.
     First, I considered recording methods of lichen growth. Recording lichen coverage is one of the most important ways to understand two-dimensional lichen growth. In many cases, the coverage is visually measured, so those data may have errors depending on the observer and the decided habitat area. To consider that error, I compared two methods. Method A is a visual method. I took photos and LiDAR’s 3D scan by iPad and visually inspected the degree of coverage to the nearest 10 %. Method B is a highly accurate method. I copied the boundaries of lichens by wrapping tracing paper around tree trunks. I compared two methods using by linear regression model. Then it was confirmed that the degree of coverage was evaluated adequately. On the other hand, the variation occurred even among the same observers, so it was suggested that Method B is a more desirable, more accurate method for measuring lichen cover with slower growth rates.
     Second, I considered recording methods of bark morphology. I recorded 3D scans by the LiDAR function on the trunks of individual trees. The application I used for this research allowed us to measure the length of bark concave, convex, or peeling area every time after recording. Thus, the 3D scan method will be an important method for understanding detailed habitat information of corticolous lichen. On the other hand, it is difficult to measure the depth of concave or the height of convex, because it is difficult to photograph the morphology. It is expected that a method that can overcome this point will be developed.