Diversity and Distribution of Epiphytic Lichens in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh state is one of the highly potential conservational areas having rich floral and faunal diversity. The present study reveals the occurrence of epiphytic lichen flora of the Tiger Reserve. Arthorniaceae, Chrysothricaceae, Graphidaceae, Lecanoraceae, Parmeliaceae, Pertusaricaeae, Physiciaceae and Ramaliaceae are the most common among different lichen families while Caloplaca, Cryptothecia, Dirinaria, Heterodermia, Lecanora, Lepraria, Parmaotrema and Pertusaria are the dominant lichen genera on trees. The crust forming together with leprose to sub-leprose lichens represents primary colonization of lichens in tropical dry and moist deciduous forests of the region comprising of young tree vegetation. The present study provides valuable information of lichen succession with respect to microclimatic condition.