Lichen Biodiversity across Elevational Gradient in Pindari Glacier Valley of Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

The lichen biodiversity pattern across elevational gradient in Pindari Glacier valley was studied, using different diversity indices. The study was done across elevational gradient ranging from 1760m to 3660m consisting of three different biomes; temperate, alpine, and temperate-alpine transition. A total of 84 species of lichens were found consisting of three major growth forms and three habitat preferences. Shannon, Pielou, and Margalef indices showed similar trends, while the Simpson index showed a slightly different trend. Except Simpson index all other indices exhibit a positive trend with the altitude. In case of growth forms, except foliose growth form all other are showing a positive trend with increasing altitude. It is also observed that the corticolous lichen dominates (~90%) in temperate and temperate-alpine transition, and saxicolous lichens dominate (98%) in Alpine zone. Although relational study between elevational gradient with higher plants are done, but with lichens it is one of the first type in western Himalayas.