Journal of Functional andExploration of Homegardens as Important Lichen Conservation Areas Environmental Botany Article DOI: 10.5958/j.2231-1742.2.2.

013 Volume 2, Number 2, November, 2012, 87-95

Research Article

Exploration of Homegardens as Important Lichen Conservation Areas in Dargakona Village of Southern Assam, Northeast India
Pulak Das1*, Santosh Joshi2, Jayashree Rout3 and DK Upreti4
Former PhD Scholar, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, Assam 788011, India, & Independent Environment Researcher, House No.-2, Lane No.-2, 1st Link Road, Silchar788006, Cachar, Assam, India 2 Post Doctoral Fellow, Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Jeonnam 540-742, South Korea 3 Professor, Dept. of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, Assam788011, India 4 Senior Principal Scientist, Lichenology Laboratory, Plant Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow (UP)226001, India *Email: pulakdas.ecology@gmail.com
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ABSTRACT
Homegardens create a forest like multistorey structure with different vertical and horizontal layers and it has a characteristic pattern of species diversity. The present paper throws light on the importance of homegardens as a significant lichen refuge. The study explored a lichen diversity of 44 species with a representation of 17 genera and 9 families. Graphidaceae is the dominant family followed by Pyrenulaceae and Arthoniaceae. Graphis and Pyrenula are found to be the dominant genera representing about 40% of total species richness. It is observed that the homegardens are shelters to about 15% of lichens, which have restricted distribution (endemic) in the eastern Himalayan region. The traditional wisdom along with ecological knowledge of the local people in maintaining homegardens in northeastern region seems to be helping in conserving the genetic heritage of wild lichen species of the eastern Himalayan region. This becomes more important in the wake of wanton destruction of forests and hence lichens growing there. Keywords: Conservation, Diversity, Eastern Himalaya, Epiphytic lichens, Homegardens, Southern Assam

1. INTRODUCTION Homegardens are agro-ecosystems located close to the area that serves as a permanent or temporary residence and are the options for conserving natural flora other than urban gardens [Smith et al. 2010; Stevenson 2008]. Species diversity in tropical homegardens is reported to be very high due to species having different life forms, height and canopy structure [Babu et al. 1982; Soemarwoto and Conway 1991]. Tropical homegardens, which are found throughout the tropics are characterised by vegetation layers (stories), imitating the tropical forest
Journal of Functional and Environmental Botany

structure. The top storey consists of a canopy of tall trees, which reduces radiation and mechanical impact of rainfall and creates a relatively constant micro-climate in the lower layers. Besides the vertical structure, homegardens also have a distinct horizontal structure, which together help in the efficient utilisation of water, light and space, and support diverse wildlife species [Das and Das 2005]. Homegardens are important in situ conservation sites and in accordance with the convention of biological diversity, inventorisation of such areas can help in the identification and conservation of biodiversity
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