Diversity and distribution of Pteridophytes in Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Abstract
An updated list of the pteridophytes known to occur in the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve has been presented. It comprises two classes, 24 families, 49 genera, and 102 species, including 11 subspecies. Four families were identified as monotypic. Among the 102 species collected, six were endemic to south India, 10 were confined to south India and Sri Lanka, and eight were in the threatened category. We make available baseline biodiversity information on the pteridophytes of the study area and provide details on taxonomic diversity and distribution along the elevation gradient. The relationship between elevation and species richness in the study area showed a unimodal pattern. Color photographs of species from each family are also provided. The presence of many threatened and endemic species in the area implies that a high priority should be given to protecting and conserving these species of pteridophytes in the BRT Tiger Reserve.
Keywords
Affinities, Elevation, Floristic Pattern, Species Richness, Threatened.
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References
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