earticle

영어

The lichen species richness and diversity in Punakha District were assessed along an altitudinal gradient, with the main objective of documenting distributional trends of varying growth forms, dominant families, and the diversity index. Stratified random sampling and a non-quantitative opportunistic method were employed for data collection. The study area included nearly all lichen habitats across its varied landscape (1,700-3,100 meters above sea level). Surveys were conducted in four localities: Thinleygang, Menchuna, Lampelri, and Dochula. A total of 36 lichen species from 22 genera and 13 families were recorded. Among growth forms, crustose types were most abundant (RA=42%, n=302), followed by foliose (RA=38%, n=272) and fruticose (RA=20%, n=148). The family Parmeliaceae, with 13 species under 8 genera, was dominant, followed by Cladoniaceae with 5 species under 1 genus. The Important Value Index results revealed distinct lichen assemblages at each site. The highest lichen diversity was observed at mid-altitude (2,700 m) in Lampelri, with 31 species and a Shannon diversity index of 3.234. Additionally, regression analysis with a quadratic best-fit line indicated that mid-altitude lichen communities were more diverse. This study provides baseline data on lichen diversity and insights into the relationship between lichen species diversity and elevation in Punakha district of Bhutan.