An Assessment of Lichens Diversity from Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The present study recorded 58 species of lichens belonging to 27 genera and 17 families from seven localities of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra, in Western Ghats. The study added 24 species new to the lichen biota of Maharashtra. The lichen genera Graphis and Pyrenula with six species each and Hemithecium and Porina with 5 species each exhibit their dominance in the area. Among the different localities the area around Bhimashankar temple showed maximum diversity represented by 37 species followed by route to Manchar and Gupt Bhimashankar Cave area represented 16 species each. The dominance of Graphidioid community in the area indicates the open thinned out forest as well as the presence of smooth bark trees in the sanctuary.