Rare find in India’s ecological hotspot
Unique Lichen Species Found in Western Ghats Expands India’s Biodiversity Records: A newly identified lichen named Allographa effusosoredica has been found in the Western Ghats, one of India’s richest ecological zones. This discovery, made by researchers from the MACS-Agharkar Research Institute in Pune, highlights the ongoing importance of biodiversity studies in tropical regions.
A major step in integrative taxonomy
This is the first species of Allographa in India to be confirmed using DNA sequencing. The research combines conventional taxonomy with molecular biology, making it a key example of integrative taxonomy. This dual approach is becoming increasingly valuable in understanding species diversity in complex ecosystems.
Static GK fact: The Western Ghats are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contain over 30% of India’s plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else.
Unique traits that set it apart
This lichen is notable for its effuse soredia, which are specialized reproductive granules, and the presence of norstictic acid, a chemical compound not commonly found in related species. Its green algal partner, identified as a species of Trentepohlia, adds further depth to the knowledge of lichen symbioses in tropical climates.
Static GK tip: Lichens are formed through a partnership between a fungus and a photosynthetic organism, and they are often used to monitor air pollution levels due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.
Rethinking evolutionary links
Although its physical form closely resembles the species Graphis glaucescens, genetic analysis shows that it is more closely related to Allographa xanthospora. This highlights the evolutionary complexity within the Graphidaceae family and underscores the need for DNA-based tools in taxonomy.
Adding to India’s ecological database
With this addition, the count of known Allographa species in India reaches 53, and the Western Ghats alone now host 22 of them. The discovery reflects the ecological richness of the region and the importance of conserving such habitats. It also aligns with the goals of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which supported this scientific work focused on environmental research and conservation.
Static GK tip: The Graphidaceae family includes a wide variety of crust-like lichens that thrive in moist, tropical regions around the world.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Unique Lichen Species Found in Western Ghats Expands India’s Biodiversity Records:
| Topic | Detail |
| Name of new species | Allographa effusosoredica |
| Discovered by | MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune |
| Biodiversity hotspot | Western Ghats |
| Molecular marker found | Norstictic acid |
| Symbiotic partner | Trentepohlia (green alga) |
| Similar species | Graphis glaucescens |
| Closest genetic match | Allographa xanthospora |
| Family | Graphidaceae |
| No. of Allographa species in India | 53 |
| No. of Allographa species in Western Ghats | 22 |
