India's First Lichen Park : A New Approach

In 2019, Uttarakhand Forest Department started an ambitious and unique project to conserve and research on the lichens of Himalayan mountain ranges. Project included the establishment of a sanctuary-like settlement, dedicated to the preservation of the valued lichens of the Himalayan ranges. This settlement now hold the title of the India’s First Lichen Park. Let us now take a look at the specs of park and understand what is lichen and why is it so important.

Park @ Munsyari

The forest department of Uttarakhand started developing this Lichen Park in an effort to conduct researches and to spread awareness regarding lichens, and they did all this while creating a safe haven for the lichens in the Munsyari region of Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. According to Sanjiv Chaturvedi, Conservator of Forests (Research Wing) who was and is involved in this whole process actively,

 “ Our aim of developing this lichen park is to create awareness among people here about their importance in the overall Himalayan ecology and how to link livelihood of these locals with these species and check their incriminate exploitation.”

 

Park is spread over 1.5 acres. Forest department, as of now, has sent proposal to open park for the public visitors. It is interesting to note that around 20000 species of Lichens are found all over the world, with 2714 species growing in India. Uttarakhand alone accounts around 600 species, most by any Indian State, and Munsyari of around 150 species of lichens. Munsyari is considered as one of the hotspots in the country. Lichen park will also boost the tourism sector in Munsyari.

What is Lichen?

Lichens are the composite organism arising due to the symbiotic association between an alga or cynobacteria and the filaments of various species of fungi. It was Simon Schwendener, a Swiss botanist, who for the first time discovered the dual nature of lichens in 1867. It is estimated that around 6% of Earth’s surface is covered with lichens. Lichens are considered to be present from the Jurassic Period (~201-145 million years ago) according to Geological Time Scale.

Simon Schwendener

Study is known as Lichenology.

Lichens are usually found in the layers of fungus and algae/cynobacteria. The lichen body can be divided into 2 parts; the chlorophyll containing photobiont component which can be algae or cynobacteria, and the mycobiont component which is fungus filament. The alga prepares food by photosynthesis and fungi absorb water and minerals from ground for algae and provide shelter. Let us, for convenience, call photobiont part as ‘The Kitchen’ and mycobiont as ‘The Provider’. Both the kitchen and the provider are essential to ensure the existence of the lichen and both benefit from it. Hence, both possess mutualistic relationship. Mutualism or mutalistic relationship is a relationship between two parties where both benefits.

Lichens are found in various colours, sizes and forms. Based on simple morphological differences (visible differences), lichens are commonly divided in to: Foliose Lichens, Frutiose Lichens, Leprose Lichens and Crustose Lichens.

Foliose Lichens have flat leaf-like structures. Top lettuce like side is formed by the photobiont or ‘the kitchen’ part and the lower part is formed by mycobiont or ‘the provider’ part that attaches to the structures (such as rocks).

Fruticose Lichens have leafless branch-like structures. These branches can be hollow or can have a core; some have flattened branches that tangle up.

Crustose Lichens grow on surfaces forming a crust over them. Crustose lichens come in vibrant colours and are easily noticed growing on rocks, cars, old buildings etc.

Leprose Lichens are less common type which is more or less powdery in appearance.

Significance of Lichens

Various species of lichens are used as flavouring agents or as staple. For example, Jhula ghas, one of the lichen species is used as flavouring agent in the famous Hydrabadi Biryani and also in some North Indian cuisines. Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica) in Northern Europe was used in bread, porridge, pudding, soup or salad. Rock tripe (Umbili caria and Lasalial spp.) is a lichen used as an emergency food in North America.

Lichens are used in perfume production and in manufacturing of sunscreen creams. Large chunk of useful species of lichens often make up a good share in the import-export business as well.

Lichens are being intensively studied as potential antibiotic drugs. Although less is known and no certain results have been produced, still 

lichens show a great promise.

The most significant feature of lichens is their ability to act as Bio-Indicators due to their sensitivity towards habitat and climate change. Lichens grow in fresh airs only, meaning the regular decrease in lichens can be traced back to increasing air pollution. Lichens are used to assess many important and useful environmental phenomenon and happenings.

Team Knowledge Villa hopes you learnt something new today…

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