Lichenological studies in Nepal: A critical review
Abstract
Lichens are some of the ubiquitously distributed symbionts with a circumpolar distribution. The
Himalayan habitats are lichenologically among the most researched region in Asia. European
and Japanese researchers initiated the lichenological research in the Nepal Himalayas, which was
later carried out predominantly by Indian lichenologists. The cumulative diversity of lichens in
Nepal constitutes 882 species belonging to 186 genera and 61 families. Though the lichenological
studies in Nepal largely constitute taxonomic and diversity enumeration studies, works in other
applied fields have started in the last decade. The present review refers to the various taxonomical
studies on lichens of Nepal by various researchers. The review also investigates the works done
in the field of biomonitoring and bioprospection. The review conclusively discusses the prospects
of lichen research in the country regarding the rich lichen biodiversity recorded so far and the
various developments in the field of modern lichenology.
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