Four New Lichen Species:
Researchers recently discovered four new lichen species, enhancing biodiversity understanding in the Western Ghats.
- The newly identified species – Parmotrema sahyadricum (discovered from Wayanad), Solenopsora rhizomorpha (from Eravikulam and Mathikettanshola National Parks), Buelloa ghattensis (Mathikettanshola National Park) and Pyxine janakiae (Mathikettanshola National Park) – have been published in international scientific journals.
- The work that started in 2022 resulted in these discoveries.
- The team also recorded more than 50 species of lichens, which are new reports to the Kerala part of the Western Ghats.
- A lichen is a symbiosis between different organisms — a fungus and an algae or cyanobacterium.
- The basis of their relationship is the mutual benefit that they provide each other.
- The photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria form simple carbohydrates that, when excreted, are absorbed by fungi cells and transformed into a different carbohydrate.
- They also produce vitamins that the fungi need.
- Fungi contribute to the symbiosis by absorbing water vapour from the air and by providing much-needed shade for the light-sensitive algae beneath.
- The composite body of a lichen is called a thallus (plural thalli); the body is anchored to its substrate by hairlike growths called rhizines.
- Lichens are found worldwide and occur in a variety of environmental conditions.
- A diverse group of organisms, they can colonize a wide range of surfaces and are frequently found on tree bark, exposed rock, and as a part of biological soil crust.
- They are a keystone species in many ecosystems.
- They serve as a food source and habitat for many animals, such as deer, birds, and rodents.
- They provide nesting materials for birds.
- They protect trees and rocks from extreme elements such as rain, wind, and snow.
