Assessing Lichen Diversity In The Himalayan Region Of Reasi, Jammu And Kashmir

Abstract

This study investigates the lichen diversity in District Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, an area previously unexplored for lichen flora. The research, conducted between 2021 and 2023, employed a comprehensive sampling methodology across nine sites within the district.A total of 50 lichen species from 33 genera and 15 families were identified. Physciaceae was the most prevalent family (7 genera), followed by Verrucariaceae (5 genera) and Parmeliaceae (4 genera). Crustose and foliose growth forms were equally represented, each with 22 species.The primary substrate for lichen growth was identified as corticolous (27 species), followed by saxicolous (20 species) and terricolous (3 species). Ecological assessments using diversity indices revealed differences among the various study sites, with Site 2 (Thuru) demonstrating the highest level of biodiversity. This study significantly enhances the understanding of lichen diversity in the Himalayan region and provides a foundational reference for future ecological research in the Reasi District.