World · India Bureau
New lichen species identified in Kerala's Mathikettan Shola National Park
Scientists have documented a previously unknown saxicolous lichen species, Buellia maharajensis, thriving on rocky outcrops in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. The discovery adds to the region's rich catalogue of endemic species.
LSN India ·
Researchers working in Mathikettan Shola National Park have identified a new lichen species adapted to the high-altitude rocky terrain of Kerala's Western Ghats. The saxicolous lichen, named Buellia maharajensis, colonises rock surfaces at elevations around 1,351 metres, where it has evolved specialised characteristics suited to the region's unique environmental conditions.
The discovery underscores the exceptional biodiversity of Mathikettan Shola, a protected area spanning the Idukki and Kottayam districts. The national park, recognised for its montane evergreen forests and pristine ecosystems, continues to yield new species as scientific surveys expand across its varied microhabitats.
Saxicolous lichens—species that grow exclusively on rock surfaces—play crucial ecological roles in nutrient cycling and soil formation across mountainous regions. Their presence often serves as an indicator of environmental health and air quality. The identification of Buellia maharajensis represents a significant contribution to understanding lichen diversity in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
The finding reflects the importance of continued research and conservation efforts in Kerala's protected areas, where thousands of species remain undocumented and at risk from habitat degradation and climate change.