Abstract
A survey of bryophyte diversity in Bilaspur District (Chhattisgarh) and nearby areas has brought to light an unexpectedly rich bryoflora. Liverworts have a great diversity which includes both leafy and thalloid forms. Presence of 24 species of thalloid liverworts was recorded collectively from protected area Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere reserve (AABR) as well as other regions of Bilaspur district and Lafa Hills, Korba. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of elevation on the diversity of bryophytes in regional scale. For the study each location was mapped zone wise on 21 micro plots ranging between altitudes 230 m to 1011 m. Using presence or absence of species, bryophyte species richness was compared at each altitude. These zones exhibit high species richness at mid–high elevation (around 525-1000 m) with an average 4-6 species of distribution rate. It is observed 83% of liverwort population as terrestrial, 10% as epiphytic, 7% grows in aquatic habitats and below 5% recorded as ubiquitous at various altitude ranges. Species composition shows variability along the elevation and microhabitat distribution which shows homogeneity of liverwort population. This study reveals the current status of liverworts in Bilaspur region.
Highlights
Bilaspur, Korba and Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve are part of biodiversity and home of immense life forms including bryophytes
Bilaspur district is located in the western part of the state Chhattisgarh and lies between 21o37' to 23o7' N latitudes and 81o12' to 83o40' E longitudes, which reside in Deccan peninsular Biogeographic zone and covered by Tropical deciduous forests which is extended to Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere reserve (AABR) at North West and Lafa hills toward North
The parameters are expressed as altitude and microhabitats
Summary
Korba and Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve are part of biodiversity and home of immense life forms including bryophytes. There are reports of exploration and investigation on Bryophytes from Amarkantak-Achanakmar and other parts of central India [1,2,3], yet our knowledge about distribution of Hepatics in other regions of Chhattisgarh is quite meagre. Revised study on Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere reserve by TFRI Jabalpur [2, 4,5,6] reported 69 species of bryophytes, out of which 17 are liverworts. In hotspot regions of Eastern Himalayas [15] and central India have substantial works [1,2,3, 5, 16, 17] published. The bryophyte diversity in this region is not yet fully understood
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