Altitudinal distribution of cetrarioid lichens in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary,Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

摘要

The present study records distribution of eight genera and thirteen species of cetrarioid lichens from seven localities, situated at different altitudes, in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Cetraria nigricans Nyl.,is a new addition to the lichen flora of Uttarakhand. A key to the genera and species together with short descriptions, synonyms and basionyms of each taxon are also provided. The cetrarioid lichen genus Cetrelia is dominant in altitude ranges of2001-3500 m, whereas Cetraria and Flavocetraria are dominant in higher altitude range of 3501-4000 m. The altitude range 3501-4000 m exhibits maximum diversity of cetrarioid lichens in the area. The corticolous cetrarioid lichens exhibit dominance at 1501-3500 m altitude whereas terricolous species at 3501-4000 m. Among the different localities situated in lower altitudes, Sankari and Taluka have the poor diversity of cetrarioid lichens, whereas Har-ki-Doon and Morinda Tal areas show their luxuriant growth. The probable reason for poor diversity in the Sankari and Taluka areas may be heavy anthropogenic pressure as the inhabitants of the villages largely depend for their fuel and fodder needs on the nearby forest area which resulted into destruction of forest.