Richness of Thalloid Liverworts in Bilaspur, Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve and Lafa hills, Chhattisgarh (India)

A survey of bryophyte diversity in Bilaspur District (Chhattisgarh) and nearby areas has brought to light an unexpectedly rich bryoflora. Liverworts have a great diversity which includes both leafy and thalloid forms. Presence of 24 species of thalloid liverworts was recorded collectively from protected area Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere reserve (AABR) as well as other regions of Bilaspur district and Lafa Hills, Korba. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of elevation on the diversity of bryophytes in regional scale. For the study each location was mapped zone wise on 21 micro plots ranging between altitudes 230 m to 1011 m. Using presence or absence of species, bryophyte species richness was compared at each altitude. These zones exhibit high species richness at mid–high elevation (around 525-1000 m) with an average 4-6 species of distribution rate. It is observed 83% of liverwort population as terrestrial, 10% as epiphytic, 7% grows in aquatic habitats and below 5% recorded as ubiquitous at various altitude ranges. Species composition shows variability along the elevation and microhabitat distribution which shows homogeneity of liverwort population. This study reveals the current status of liverworts in Bilaspur region.