Ecolichenology of Eastern Ghats diversity against climatic fluctuations in Kolli Hills, India

Abstract. Subbaiyan R, Ganesan A, Dhanuskodi S. 2023. Ecolichenology of Eastern Ghats diversity against climatic fluctuations in Kolli Hills, India. Biodiversitas 24: 625-635. Lichens are major components earthbound and marine environments. A lichen is a symbiotic form algae fungi adapted to survive different altitudes environmental conditions. The morphology divided into three, based on their habitat: crustose, foliose, fruticose lichens. (EG) contribute significantly both the endemicity species richness Indian region. However, EG forests relatively unexplored have received less conservation consideration than Western Ghats. Unexplored were studied analyze ecolichenology fluctuations. objective this paper build stock epiphytic lichens within slopes. Hills one ancient richest floral faunal biodiversity hotspots It assessed from year 2018 that 2021 with seasonal variations. least was found Arthonioid > Usneoid Scaly Ramalinoid types. Highly denser Parmelioid foliose Usneoid, Ramlinoid rich numbers healthy thallus. population stopped, or amount thallus growth noticed high rainfall season gradual reduction summer. be easy identifiers. reduced dependently independently nature. health encountered only morphological appurtenance. Based group, maximum distribution observed categories. last Leprose forest wealth described patches shrinkages lichens, especially Dirinaria Parmoterma, acting as analysis tool ecosystems.