An assessment of bryophyte diversity of Nagar Nigam areas at Haldwani in Kumaun region of northwest Himalaya

Abstract

The present paper deals with an exploration of bryophytic species and communities growing on diverse habitats and localities in and around Nagar Nigam areas of Haldwani(Nainital). In all, 61 bryophyte species belonging to the 26 families including, 25 liverworts, 2 hornworts, and 34 species of mosses were recognized. As liverworts, 16 thalloid, and 9 leafy liverworts were recorded. Riccia species were turned out to be the dominant hepatics. Amongst mosses, 19 species were documented as dominant acrocarps followed by the 14 species of pleurocarps. Interestingly, the majority of liverworts and mosses were observed as gemmiferous. The present bryo-exploratory study aims to document and assess in time the current status of the existing bryodiversity. The naturally occurring bryophyte incorporated substrates are being frequently replaced by the excessive use of cementing material. In such man-made habitats, hardy, calcicole, bryophyte species and communities are found as the dominant colonizers.