INDIA’S FIRST LICHEN PARK AT MUNSIYARI

INDIA’S FIRST LICHEN PARK AT MUNSIYARI

LICHEN IS COMPOSITE ORGANISM THAT IS FORMED AS A RESULT OF SYMBIOTIC ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ALGAE AND FUNGI. ALGAE PROVIDES FOOD AND FUNGI GIVES SHELTER.

The Uttarakhand Forest Department had developed India’s first Lichen Park at Munsiyari in Kumaon division. The park spreads in an area of 1.5 acres. More 600 species of Lichens are in the state out which 150 are found in Munsiyari. In Uttarakhand, the Lichen is also found in Dehradun, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Champawat and Chamoli. The state Himachal Pradesh has more than 500 species followed by Jammu Kashmir with 380 plus species. The Lichens are considered as plants of the Jurassic era are still living. The importance of Lichen is that it acts as bioindicators of the ecosystem. Because these plants are sensitive to any environmental change. Pure air is the lifeline of the plant. So if air quality deteriorates the plant dies gradually. Its species are used in food, perfumes, dyes and traditional medicines.

THE SPECIES OF LICHEN FOUND IN UTTARAKHAND.

  • Acarospora fusca.
  • Acarospora oxytona.
  • Arthonia impolitella.
  • Lecanora subfuseescens.
  • Parmotrema pertatum.
  • Polysporina dubia.
  • Sarcogyne privigna.
  • Usnea longissima.

Madhvendra Mishra

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