Assessment of Lichen Diversity in a Part of Madhyamaheshwar Valley of Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

A comprehensive survey was carried out to evaluate the distribution pattern and diversity of lichens in the Madhyamaheshwar valley, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. According to the data gathered, there are 60 species total, divided into 21 families and 33 genera. The extensive diversity of lichen growth types in the region is demonstrated by the presence of 25 species of crustose lichen, followed by 19 foliose and 16 fruticose. The data gathered from the survey indicates that the Parmeliaceae family, with 8 genera and 12 species, is the most prevalent family in the area, followed by the Cladoniaceae family, which has 1 genera and 8 species. The enumeration of lichens from Madhyamaheshwar valley survey reveals that as the altitude increases the number of lichen species also increases. More taxa will undoubtedly be added to the lichen flora of this valley by conducting a thorough study of lichen species in the surrounding areas. Future biomonitoring and bioprospecting studies in the area will be supported by the baseline data provided by the current lichen count.