Lichens of the Mahabaleshwar Panchgani Ecosensitive zone (MPESZ),  Maharashtra, India

 

Gargee S. Pandit

 

AgharkarResearch Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411004, India

gargee.pandit@gmail.com

 

 

 

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3784.5784-91  

 

Editor: Aparna Watve, Pune, India.   Date of publication: 26 May 2014 (online & print)

 

Manuscript details: Ms # o3784 | Received 24 September 2013 | Final received 31 January 2014 | Finally accepted 01 May 2014

 

Citation: Pandit, G.S. (2014).Lichens of the Mahabaleshwar Panchgani Ecosensitive zone (MPESZ), Maharashtra, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 6(5): 5784–5791; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3784.5784-91

 

Copyright: © Pandit 2014. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. JoTT allows unrestricted use of this article in any medium, reproduction and distribution by providing adequate credit to the authors and the source of publication.

 

Funding: The Department of Science and Technology-SERB, SB/FT/LS-187/2012, New Delhi.

 

Competing Interest: The authors declare no competing interests.

 

Acknowledgements: The author is grateful to the Director, Agharkar Research Institute Pune, for the laboratory facilities. Thanks are also due to Dr. Aparna Watve for her inspiration in making the project and as one of the valuable reviewer of this paper; and my guide Dr. Urmila Makhija who made me a lichenologist and also Dr. Bharati Sharma who has directly and indirectly helped me in the work, and Mr. Subhash Gaikwad for his technical assistance and suggestions. I would also like to thank the Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) for providing the map required by me for the study area.

 

 

 

For figures, images, tables -- click here

 

 

Lichens are by definition symbiotic organisms composed of a fungal partner, the mycobiont and one or more photosynthetic partners, the photobiont, that may be either a green alga or a cyanobacterium.  Lichens are regarded as an example of controlled parasitism, because the fungus seems to obtain most of the benefits and the photobiont may grow more slowly in the lichenized state than when free-living (Ahmadjian1993).

They dominate other groups of organisms in as much as 8% of the earth’s surface (Ahmadjian 1993, 1995).  The associated entity grows at an average rate of 1–5 mm per year and persists for tens or hundreds of years on their substratum.  In the tropics and subtropics some rapidly growing lichens even colonize the surface of leaves as epiphylls.

The growth forms of lichens are usually conspicuous and among the terrestrial autotrophs of the world, lichens exhibit intriguing variation in miniature.  They are categorized primarily based on their morphology and size into three major types, viz., crustose (crust like), foliose (leaf like) and fruticose (shrubby). The lichens belonging to the former category are called microlichens and the latter two are referred to as macrolichens.  They colonize a great variety of substrates such as rocks, soil, humus, wood substrates as tree trunks, branches and logs, animal shells, bones, insect backs, synthetic materials as plastic taps and substrates derived from mineral sources such as bricks, cement, concrete roofs and walls and glass and iron, amongst others (Brightman & Seaward 1978; Hale 1983; Sipman 1994; Schroeter & Sancho 1996).

Many of the lichen species have proved economically very beneficial and continue to hold significant commercial implications particularly in cosmetic and perfumery industries.  A large number of chemicals called lichen substances unique to lichens have made them useful as a source of dyes, medicines, agrochemicals and other exploitable compounds.  They play an important role in the mineral cycling patterns of their ecosystem, particularly if cyanolichens are the dominant components.

The Western Ghats have attracted the attention of naturalists for nearly a century in course of the studies on the biological material of their interests or in their discussions on the biogeography of the Indian biota.  The complex topography of the Western Ghats with a wide range of microclimatic and soil conditions have resulted in a mosaic of plant communities and animal associations unique to itself. Besides being biologically rich in genera and species the Western Ghats is rich in endemics too.  Many new and endemic lichen species have also been reported from this region (Makhija et al. 2004; Dube et al. 2005; Makhija et al. 2005; Makhija et al. 2006; Chitale& Makhija 2008; Chitaleet al. 2008; Chitale et al. 2009; Makhija et al. 2009; Dube & Makhija 2010; Singh & Sinha 2010; Bajpai & Upreti 2011; Chitale et al. 2011; Bajpai et al. 2012;).  Lateritic plateaus and basalt outcrops are a special habitat seen in the northern Western Ghats.  They are known for high endemism and dominance of certain function groups such as carnivorous plants (Watve 2013).  They are seen at altitude above 900m in the Western Ghats.

During the previous surveys undertaken for documentation of lichen diversity of the region, rocky plateaus of laterite as well as basalt were seen to have abundance of saxicolous lichens.  Though the saxicolouslichen species of India have been studied by Indian and foreign lichenologists, they are available in the form of scattered publications and all are dealing mainly with the taxonomy (Awasthi 1965, 1988, 1991, 2000; Schubert & Klement 1966; Patwardhan & Badhe 1972; Degelius 1974).

In view of this, the present paper documents lichens of Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani EcosensitiveZone (MPESZ) in the northern Western Ghats, and reports the diverse lichen forms and their preferred substrates.

Study area: MPESZ lies roughly between 17055’N–73040’E & 17.000N–73.820E.  The lateritic plateaus, better known as the tablelands, have been studied by many geologists and geographers (Widdowson & Cox 1996; Widdowson 1997; Ollier & Sheth 2008). The area was a famous hill station since the British period and botanically very well known due to the work of Blatter(1909), Razi (1952), Puri& Mahajan (1960), Deshpande et al. (1993, 1995).  However, the focus of these studies was on angiosperms.  Old records of lichens of the region are available, but needed to be updated.  New records of lichens from Mahabaleshwar and Koyna region have been recently published (Bajpai & Upreti 2011; Bajpai et al. 2012).  Lichenology group from Agharkar Research Institute has consistently reported many lichens from this region (Dube et al. 2005; Chitale 2007; Chitale et al. 2008; Chitale & Makhija2008; Chitale et al. 2009; Dube& Makhija 2010; Chitaleet al. 2011).  However, this is the first ever checklist of the lichens of this region, and describes the prevalent forms with their microhabitat needs.

MPESZ area is dominated by semi-evergreen forests of Memecylon-Syzygium-Actinodaphneseries as described by Pascal (1988). Much of the hill slopes are bioticallymodified and dominated by Catunaregam spinosa, Scutia myrtina and Carissa congesta thickets.  Herbaceous vegetation dominates open areas in the monsoon period (June–September).  Five tablelands are located within the Panchgani Municipal Corporation limits, and another fourteen plateaus are reported from Mahabaleshwarproper.  Notable amongst these is the Wilson Point (Image 1) with an altitude of about 1000–1400 m, which is the highest point in the region. All these plateaus are declared conservation zones as per the development plan of the region and tablelands of Panchganiare natural heritage sites (Image 2). Tetali et al. (2000) and Mishra & Singh (2001) have described more than 20 endemic and threatened flowering plants from this region.

Methods: Primary data on MPESZ lichens was collected during 2001–2010 as a part of surveys for Maharashtra lichens and studies on microlichens (Chitale2007).  The floristic surveys covered dry as well as wet seasons, diverse habitats (forests, scrublands and rocky plateaus).  Lichen specimens were collected using standard field survey techniques and reference specimens are deposited in Agharkar Research Institute lichen repository (Ajrekar Mycological Herbarium - AMH).  Ecological notes regarding substrate, forms, abundance were recorded on field.

All the specimens collected were studied for their morphology, anatomy and chemistry and identified at Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) using the most recent literature available on lichen taxonomy.

Secondary data was collected from previously published literature from the study area (listed above) which was mostly about new records and lichen descriptions. Earlier lichen collections from ARI lichen repository were also scanned to make a complete regional checklist of species reported so far.

Results and Discussion: A list of species of lichens reported from MPESZ is given Table 1.  They include, 25 families represented by 43 genera and about 129 species which is 5.6% of the total lichens known from India. Of these, 110 species are exclusively corticolous (bark or twig dwelling), 20 species are saxicolous (rock dwelling), three species are muscicolous and only one species is exclusively terricolous. Lichens can also be categorized as macrolichens, including, foliose lichens (49 spp.); fruticose (3 spp.); squamulose (4 spp.), leprose(3 spp.) and microlichens i.e. crustoselichens (72 spp.).

So far only five lichen species have been recorded from the Panchgani Plateau but the number is likely to increase as currently exploratory, ecological studies have been started as part of DST-Fast-track Scheme. Some species probably form their origin here, e.g., Diorygma megasporum Kalb, Staiger & Elix, Diorygma panchganiense Makhija, Chitale & B.O. Sharma. (Makhija et al. 2009).  Observations also show that excessive trampling and disturbance has eroded lichen flora from the main parts of Panchgani tableland, while the peripheral part of the plateau has a better preserved lichen crust.  Therefore, it is necessary to study and then plan protection measures to protect this unique lichen diversity of these unique plateaus.

Schubert & Klement (1966) in their study tour to northern and central India have collected several lichens from these areas of which 16 species are recorded from Maharashtra.  Degelius(1974) in his monograph on the lichen genus Collemahave reported five saxicolous species from Maharashtra (Satara District, near Panchgani). Three species of the genus Rhizocarponhave so far been recorded from Maharashtra—Rhizocarpon concentricum (Davies) Beltram,Rhizocarpon distinctum Th. Fr., Rhizocarpon obscuratum (Ach.) Massal. (Singh, 1980)—but the material on which the record of earlier known species are based was not available for study.  Chitale Gayatri and Dube Archana during 2001–2007 have taxonomically explored the state of Maharashtra and also the MPESZ area for their doctoral studies and have published new species (Chitale 2007; Dube 2007). Unfortunately Rhizocarpon genus was not recollected.  But there is a hope of finding it on these outcrops with thorough explorations, as they are saxicolous species (rock dwelling).

Many of these species are likely to be endemic to the special habitats in this region. They are most vulnerable to extinction as they occur in narrow geographical areas and it is extremely important to document the existing vegetation and study the effect of biotic pressures on it.

Natural habitats in MPESZ are gradually degrading due to increasing human pressures. The protection offered by ecosensitivezone category or natural heritage tag or conservation zone declaration has slowed down the habitat depletion caused by land-use change and rapid urbanization.  However, increasing pressure for fuelwood, grazing, insensitive tourism are serious threats to natural biodiversity.  Lichen flora, is sensitive to even mild disturbance of their habitats and hence needs special protection.  The role of lichens as pioneer species in a habitat, as indicator taxa and complex biological symbiontsneeds to be emphasized.  It is urgently necessary that steps are taken to halt the process and thereby conserve the diversity of species characteristic and endemic to these areas.  It is hoped that this review of MPESZ lichens attracts attention to this lesser-known but ecologically significant group of organisms and appropriate conservation measures are urgently taken.  However, increasing pressure for fuelwood, grazing, insensitive tourism are serious threats to natural biodiversity (Image 3).

 

References

 

Ahmadjian, V. (1993). The lichen symbiosis, John Wiley & Sons, USA Inc. pp 1–250.

Ahmadjian, V. (1995). Lichens are more important than you think. Bioscience45: 124.

Awasthi, D.D. (1965). Catalogue of the lichens from India, Nepal, Pakistan and Ceylon. Beihefte zur Nova Hedwigia 17: 1–137.

Awasthi, D.D. (1988). A key to the macrolichens of India and Nepal. Journal of Hattori Botanical Laboratory 65: 07–302.

Awasthi, D.D. (1991). A key to the microlichens of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Bibliotheca Lichenologica40: 1–337.

Awasthi, D.D. (2000). Lichenology in Indian subcontinent, Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehra Dun, India, 145pp.

Blatter, (1909). The flora of Panchgani. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 19: 314–332.

Brightman, S. & M.R.D. Seaward (1978). Lichens on man made substrates, pp. 253–293. In: Seaward M.R.D (ed.). Lichen Ecology. Academic Press.

Bajpai, R. & D.K. Upreti (2011). New records of lichens from Mahabaleshwarand Koyna areas of SataraDistrict, Maharashtra, India. Geophytology40(1&2): 61–68.

Bajpai, R., D.K. Upreti, S. Nayaka& U. Dubey (2012). Lichen flora in and around Mahabaleshwar, Satara District, Maharashtra with Lecanora expallens Ach. as new record to Indian lichen flora. Phytotaxonomy 12: 123–130.

Chitale, G.S. (2007). Studies on the Microlichens of Maharashtra. PhD Thesis. Submitted to University of Pune, 304pp.

Chitale, G., A. Dube & U. Makhija(2008). The lichen genus Physciaand allied genera from Maharashtra, India. Geophytology 37: 13–21.

Chitale, G. & U. Makhija(2008). A new species of the lichen genus Brigantiaeafrom India. Mycotaxon 104: 409–413.

Chitale, G., U. Makhija & B. Sharma (2009). New combinations and new species in the lichen genera Hemithecium and Pallidogramme. Mycotaxon 108: 83–92.

Chitale, G., U. Makhija & B. Sharma (2011). Additional species of Graphis from Maharashtra, India. Mycotaxon115: 469–480; http://dx.doi.org/10.5248/115.469

Degelius, G. (1974). The lichen genus Collema with special reference to the Extra-European species. Symbolae Botanicae Upsalienses 20: 1–215.

Deshpande, S., B.D. Sharma & M.P. Nayar (1993). Flora of Mahabaleshwarand Adjoining Areas, Maharashtra. Flora of India Series 3 - Vol. 1. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta, 431pp.

Deshpande, S., B.D. Sharma & M.P. Nayar (1995). Flora of Mahabaleshwar and Adjoining Areas, Maharashtra. Flora of India Series 3 - Vol. 2. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta, 433–776pp.

Pascal, J.P. (1988). Wet Evergreen Forests of the Western Ghats of India. Institute Francais de Pondicherry, Pondicherry.

Dube, A. (2007). A contribution to our knowledge of the macrolichens of Maharashtra. PhD Thesis. Submitted to the University of Pune,  1–150pp.

Dube, A., G. Chitale & U. Makhija(2005). The lichen genera Dirinaria and Pyxine (Family: Physciaceae) from Maharashtra, India. Phytotaxonomy 5: 83–89.

Dube, A. & U. Makhija(2010). Occurence of four additional non-hairy species of Leptogiumfrom Maharashtra, India. Lichenologist 42(6): 701–710; http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0024282910000332 

Hale, M.E. (1983). The Biology of lichens - 3rd Edition. Edward Arnold (Australia) Pvt. Ltd., Australia, 180pp.

Makhija, U., G. Chitale & A. Dube (2006). An account of the lichen genus Lecanorafrom Maharashtra. (Communicated - Ministry of Environment & Forests publication).

Makhija, U., G. Chitale & B. Sharma (2009). New species and new records of Diorygma(Graphidaceae) from India: species with convergent exciples. Mycotaxon 109: 379–392.

Makhija, U., G.Chitale & A. Dube (2004). The lichen genus Heterodermia(Family: Physciaceae) from Maharashtra. Geophytology 34: 43–55.

Makhija, U., A. Dube, B. Adawadkar& G. Chitale (2005). Five trans-septate species of Hemithecium from India. Mycotaxon 93: 365–372.

Makhija, U., A. Dube, B. Adawadkar& G. Chitale (2006). Some species of lichen genera Dyplolabiaand Graphis from Maharashtra, India. Geophytology 36(1&2): 61–68.

Mishra, D.K. & N.P. Singh (2001). Endemic and Threatened Flowering Plants of Maharashtra. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta, 414pp.

Ollier, C. & H.C. Sheth(2008). The High deccan duricrusts of India and their significance for the laterite issue. Journal of Earth System Science, 117: 537–551.

Patwardhan, P.G. & P.D. Badhe(1972). Contributions to the lichen flora of western India - IV. Journal of Shivaji University 5(10): 135–139.

Puri, G.S. & S.D. Mahajan(1960). The study of the evergreen vegetation of Mahabaleshwararea. Bulletin of Botanical Survey of India 2: 109–137.

Razi, B.A. (1952). Flora of Panchgani. DSc Thesis. University of Poona, Poona.

Schroeter, B. & L.G. Sancho (1996). Lichens growing on glass in Antarctica Lichenologist28: 385–390.

Schubert, R. & O. Klement (1966). Beitrag zur Flechten-Flora von Nord-und Mittelindien. NovaHedwigia 11: 1–73.

Singh, A. (1980). Lichenology in Indian Subcontinent 1966–1977. Economic Botany Information Service, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, 1–112pp.

Singh, K.P. & G.P. Sinha(2010). Indian Lichens An Annotated Checklist. Botanical Survey of India. Shiva Offset Press, 571pp.

Sipman, H.J.M. (1994). Foliicolouslichens on plastic tape. Lichenologist26: 311–312.

Tetali, P., S. Tetali, B.G. Kulkarni, P.V. Prasanna, P. Lakshminarasimhan, M. Lale, M.S. Kumbhojkar, D.K. Kulkarni & A.P. Jagtap(2000). Endemic Plants of India: A Status Report of Maharashtra State. Naoroji Godrej Centre for Plant Research, Shirwal, 87pp.

Watve, A. (2013). Status review of rocky plateaus in the NW Ghats and Konkan region of Maharashtra with recommendations for conservation planning. Journal of Threatened Taxa 5(5): 3935–3962; http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3372.3935-62  

Widdowson, M. (1997). Tertiary palaeosurfacesof the SW Deccan, western India: implication for passive margin uplift, pp. 221–248. In: Widdowson M. (ed.). Palaeosurfaces: Recognition, Reconstruction and Palaeoenvironmental Interpretation. Geological Society Special Publication - 120.

Widdowson, M. & K.G. Cox (1996). Uplift and erosional history of the deccan traps India: evidence from laterites and drainage patterns of the Western Ghats and Konkancoast. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 137: 57–69.