Researchers have identified a new saxicolous lichen species, Buellia maharajensis, in the high-altitude regions of Idukki's Mathikettan Shola National Park, highlighting the region's ecological richness.

  • A new lichen species, Buellia maharajensis, has been discovered in Mathikettan Shola National Park.
  • The species is saxicolous, thriving on rock surfaces at an elevation of 1,351 meters.
  • This is the fourth new species discovered in this specific national park.
  • The research involved a collaboration between Maharaja's College, KFRI, and CSIR-NBRI.

In a significant boost to India's botanical records, researchers have announced the discovery of a new lichen species, Buellia maharajensis, within the lush confines of the Mathikettan Shola National Park in Idukki, Kerala. The findings, which underscore the park's role as a biodiversity hotspot, were recently published in the prestigious international journal Taiwania.

The newly identified species is categorized as a saxicolous lichen, meaning it grows specifically on rock surfaces. It was recorded at an altitude of approximately 1,351 meters. The discovery was the result of a comprehensive lichen diversity survey conducted by a five-member expert team.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the proliferation of lichen species in protected areas is a direct indicator of atmospheric purity and ecosystem health. Lichens are highly sensitive to air pollution; therefore, the discovery of new species in Mathikettan Shola suggests that the park's conservation efforts are successfully maintaining a pristine environment conducive to rare biological life.

"Lichens are typically found in undisturbed forest ecosystems. Since Mathikettan Shola was declared a protected area, lichen growth has expanded significantly." - Dr. Stephen Sequeira

The nomenclature of the species, Buellia maharajensis, is a tribute to Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, which is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary. By naming the species after the institution, the researchers aimed to honor the college's long-standing legacy in taxonomy and scientific exploration.

Historically, Mathikettan Shola National Park, covering 12.82 sq km, has been a critical ecological corridor. The Kerala government officially notified it as a national park on November 21, 2003, to protect its unique shola-grassland mosaic.

According to Dr. Stephen Sequeira, the park has emerged as a legitimate 'lichen hub.' During field research conducted by Ms. Aswathi Anilkumar, nearly 250 lichen species were documented, with 60 recorded for the first time in Kerala and 15 new records for India. This makes the park one of the most significant sites for lichenology in the Western Ghats.

Did You Know?: Lichens are not single organisms but a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and an alga (or cyanobacteria), where the fungus provides structure and the alga provides food through photosynthesis.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does 'saxicolous' mean in the context of this discovery?
Saxicolous refers to organisms that live or grow specifically on rocks, which is the primary habitat of the newly discovered Buellia maharajensis.

2. Which institutions were involved in this research?
The study was a collaborative effort between Maharaja’s College (Ernakulam), the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), and the CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow.