Spatial patterns of biodiversity of lichens

Abstract

With its diverse ecological conditions, and its geographical location at the confluence of three of the eight biogeographic realms, Indian landmass supports rich diversity of flora accounting for above 10% of the 20,000 species oflichens so far described in the world. The paper reviews the status of the lichenological research in the country andpresents species diversity patterns at different spatial scales ranging from global, national through regional to the local landscapes. Ecological patterns emerged from the recent studies within India are also assessed. Knowledge gaps are identified and conservation implications are discussed.