The elevation gradient of lichen species richness in Nepal

• DOI: 10.1017/s0024282909008627
• Publication Date: 2009-11-27T21:20:23Z
• Authors: Chitra Bahadur BA...; Torstein SOLHØY; Yngvar GAUSLAA; Michael W. PALMER
• Keywords: Elevation (ballistics); Crustose; Endemism

Abstract This study of elevation gradients lichen species richness in Nepal aimed to compare distribution patterns different life-forms, substratum affinities, photobiont types, and Nepalese endemism. Distribution lichens were compared with elevational shown by a wide range taxonomic groups plants along the Himalayan gradient between 200–7400m. We used published data on records 525 interpolate presence maximum minimum recorded elevations, thereby giving estimates at each 100-m band. The observed previously for other groups. total number as well endemic (55 spp.) showed humped relationships elevation. Their highest was 3100–3400 4000–4100m, respectively. Almost 33% 53% occurred above treeline (>4300m). Non-endemic had same response richness. All growth forms unimodal relationship elevation, crustose having peak higher elevations (4100–4200m) than fruticose foliose lichens. Algal cyanobacterial richness, corticolous all exhibited patterns, whereas saxicolous terricolous slightly bimodal mid altitudes concurred diversity ecological niches terms spatial heterogeneity rainfall, temperature, cloud formation, high phorophyte abundance implying large variation bark roughness, moisture retention capacity, pH. distributions depressed