Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 May 2024 | 16(5): 25227–25234

 

ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print) 

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8733.16.5.25227-25234

#8733 | Received 08 September 2023 | Final received 28 March 2024 | Finally accepted 20 April 2024

 

 

Diversity of mosses (Bryophyta) in Pangi valley (Himachal Pradesh, India): an unexplored domain of northwestern Himalaya

 

Anshul Dhyani 1, Kumar Shantanu 2 , Rajender Kumar Sharma 3  & Prem Lal Uniyal 4

 

1,4 Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.

2,3 Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110019, India.

1 anshuld42@gmail.com, 2 kshantanu@db.du.ac.in, 3 rksharmabio@yahoo.co.in, 4 uniyalpl@rediffmail.com (corresponding author)

 

 

Editor: D.K. Singh, Botanical Survey of India, Lucknow, India.         Date of publication: 26 May 2024 (online & print)

 

Citation: Dhyani, A., K. Shantanu, R.K. Sharma & P.L. Uniyal (2024). Diversity of mosses (Bryophyta) in Pangi valley (Himachal Pradesh, India): an unexplored domain of northwestern Himalaya. Journal of Threatened Taxa 16(5): 25227–25234. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8733.16.5.25227-25234

  

Copyright: © Dhyani et al. 2024. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.  JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and distribution of this article in any medium by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publication.

 

Funding: This work was supported by the Institution of Eminence (IoE), University of Delhi (Ref. No./IoE/2023-24/12/FRP).

 

Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

 

Author detail and Author contribution: AD is a PhD research scholar. He is currently working on biosystematics aspects of bryophytes. KS and RKS are associate professors and have expertise in bryophyte taxonomy and ecology, respectively. PLU is a senior professor. He has an expertise in biosystematics of bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms. All the authors were involved in field trips and moss species collections. AD and PLU confirmed the identity of the specimens. AD photographed the slides sections, wrote the initial draft of the manuscript. KS and RKS were involved in data compilation. PLU edited the entire manuscript and finalized the draft.

 

Acknowledgements: The first author is grateful to Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi for providing the senior research fellowship. The first author is also thankful to Dr. Siddhartha Kaushal, guest faculty at Department of Botany, University of Delhi for his assistance in creating study area map. The corresponding author is thankful to the Institution of Eminence (IoE), University of Delhi for funding. The second and third authors are grateful to the Himalayan Study Circle, Deshbandhu college, University of Delhi for providing resources. Thanks are due to the Forest Department of Purthi for their support. All the authors are thankful to the reviewers and editors for their suggestions that helped in improving the manuscript.

 

 

Abstract: Diversity of mosses of a unique and unexplored geographical location in Himalaya, the Pangi valley in Himachal Pradesh, India is investigated. A total of 49 moss species belonging to 21 families have been recorded, including Hedwigia emodica, the detail on the type specimen of which is uncertain and Encalypta vulgaris, a rare moss in the Himalaya. In addition, 13 moss species are new records for Himachal Pradesh. The dominant mosses of the surveyed area are Philonotis and Grimmia, where the latter is frequently found on basic, barren boulders in sunny positions. Among the recorded moss species, 35 are terrestrial, six aquatic, and eight epiphytes. The findings will be useful for forest policies and management of bryophytes conservation in areas which have extreme climatic conditions.

 

Keywords: Bryophytes, ecosystem, growth forms, hotspots, indicator, macroclimate, patch size, population, richness, taxa.

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The Himalayan region constitutes one of the biodiversity hotspots of India, which comprises different kinds of forests and ecosystems in the northwestern Himalaya such as tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, sub-alpine, and alpine forests (Hajra & Rao 1990). The environmental factors such as topography, soil, climate, and geographical location influence the diversity of vegetation in forest ecosystem in the Himalaya (Arora 1995). The biodiversity and productivity in a forest are the two most important attributes, which are associated with the proper functioning of a forest ecosystem in the Himalaya (Haq et al. 2021). Any kind of ecological disturbances in the Himalaya can also affect the global climate by bringing changes in the precipitation and temperature (Khan et al. 2012) and hence affect the vegetation. Therefore, the Himalaya are an excellent zone to study about the biogeographical and ecological patterns of vegetation (Körner 2000) and of course to evaluate the diversity and community composition.

The bryophytes constitute a major part of Himalayan flora. The northwestern (NW) Himalaya comprises an enormous bryophyte diversity and composition. Various authors (Chopra & Kumar 1981; Tewari & Pant 1994; Nath et al. 2008; Alam 2013; Sahu & Asthana 2014) have done preliminary studies on the bryoflora of the NW Himalaya. However, there are still many unexplored domains in the Himalayan region which need to be investigated thoroughly so that the bryophyte species diversity and their role can be assessed. The Pangi valley in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh (India) is one such unexplored part of the NW Himalaya. The area majorly consists of bare granite rocks and experiences harsh winters and cold summers.

The objective of the present study was to assess the moss species diversity in Pangi valley. The study will be helpful in modelling the species-habitat relationship, comparing the species diversity in the disturbed and non-disturbed sites to make better planning for conservation strategies.

 

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 

The mosses were collected from the Pangi valley, Himachal Pradesh (India), located at an average elevation of 2,287 m (32.88830N, 76.42110E and 32.92660N, 76.46190E; Image 1), in the month of June 2022. The area is dominated by conifers which remains dry during most of the year due to little precipitation and a higher snowfall period. The samples were placed in separate bags and the GPS data, their substrate, along with growth forms were noted down. The samples were carefully observed under the microscope (Olympus CX21i) and separated from each other to have the pure samples of the species. The mosses were identified based on their growth forms and micromorphological characters along with the help of relevant literatures (Gangulee 1969−1980; Chopra 1975; Anderson 2007). The mosses are classified following Goffinet et al. (2008). Voucher specimens are deposited at the Herbarium DUH, University of Delhi (India).

 

 

RESULTS

 

In the present study, a total of 49 taxa of mosses under 21 families were recorded. Most of the mosses belong to families Pottiaceae, Bartramiaceae, Grimmiaceae, Amblystegiaceae, and Bryaceae. The genera such as Grimmia Hedw. and Philonotis Brid. were found to be the most dominant in the surveyed area with the maximum number of species. Species of Grimmia were found growing on basic and barren substrates in sunny positions in isolated patches. Some populations were encountered on basic sandstone near the river Chenab. The plants survived the winter well under snow and produced high numbers of sporophytes in spring. Encalypta Hedw. and Hedwigia P.Beauv., represented by few populations, are rare in the area. The record of Hedwigia emodica Hampe ex Müll.Hal. is the interesting one. Species of Philonotis were found to occur on soil or rock along the banks of streams, rivers in spring and waterfall areas, often in the open. Here, the authors also recorded extended distribution of 13 taxa for Himachal Pradesh (Table 1).

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

The bryodiversity of Himachal Pradesh has been studied or reviewed by various authors (Lal 2005; Singh & Singh 2008; Singh & Singh 2010; Dandotiya et al. 2011; Alam 2013; Pande et al. 2017; Kumar et al. 2022). These investigations provided several new records and interesting findings. However, in terms of moss richness and diversity, there are still many under-explored regions in Himachal Pradesh which require frequent and comprehensive field visits.

The climatic condition of the valley allows the development of mosses that are adapted to these climatic extremities. Several adaptive features such as the presence of long hyaline tip and compact growth in Grimmiaceae, presence of chlorophyllose cells in between the hyalocyst cells in Leucobryaceae, and the thick-coarsely papillated, small quadrate surface cells in Pottiaceae (Scott 1982) help these mosses to store water and prevent its loss, enabling these mosses to thrive in harsh and extreme climatic conditions (Image 2 & 3). Other features such as the lanceolate leaves to minimize water loss and optimize light absorption in Grimmiaceae also help in surviving the extreme conditions. In addition, the wax coating on the leaves of Polytrichaceae members prevent them from water loss as well as extreme sunlight and is considered an adaptation. In the family Pottiaceae, several species show leaf curling in response to change in humidity, which is also recognised as an adaptation factor to extreme conditions as well (Geissler 1982). The mat, cushion, turf, weft, and many such forms are also known as adaptation states to the climate. It is interesting to mention that, in Ptychostomum pseudotriquetrum (Hedw.) J.R.Spence & H.P.Ramsay ex Holyoak & N.Pedersen, there is production of UV-B absorbing anthocyanin pigments that check the physiological activities of the moss under extreme cold or desiccation (Dunn & Robinson 2006; Glime 2017).

A total of six species of Encalypta are known to occur in the northwestern Himalayan region of India, with E. vulgaris the only species reported from Spiti valley and Kangra in Himachal Pradesh previously (Chopra 1975). We found only few small patches of E. vulgaris in the studied area and one patch with a length of ca. 15 cm. which showed relatively less abundance as compared to the other reported moss taxa. The genus Encalypta seems to require a specific habitat condition, i.e., restricted to limestones particularly found growing in the microsites such as on exposed dry rock crevices and on ledges wedged among stones. The genus is easily distinguished by its large plate-like red perigonia which was established in the large patches along with the other herbaceous plants. Moreover, it harbours many small aquatic animals.

Only three species of Hedwigia have been reported from the Himalaya, viz., H. ciliata (Hedw.) Boucher, H. stellata Hedenäs, and H. emodica (Dalton et al. 2013). The major distinguishing characters of H. emodica from other species of its relatives are the presence of a long, hyaline tip which covers ca. 20−40% of leaf length; abaxial papillae which varies from branched to stellate and leaf margin either recurved on lower half or plane. H. ciliata has been previously reported from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (Asthana & Sahu 2014). H. stellata has been reported from Kashmir and the distribution of H. emodica was previously found in Jammu & Kashmir (Dalton et al. 2013). The presence of H. emodica in Himachal Pradesh, therefore, implies the range extension of this taxon. Present populations were found growing on sand rocks, boulders, and creeks as well as the lower trunks of Cedrus trees. It appears that Hedwigia prefers to grow on acidic substratum.

Bryophyte distribution is affected by the macroclimatic conditions, including precipitation and temperature. However, moisture is considered as an important growth stimulator more than any other factor for bryophyte productivity (Skre & Oechel 1981; Porley & Hodgetts 2005). The dominance of families such as Pottiaceae and Grimmiaceae, generally growing in exposed sites on granite-mica rocks, indicate that the area has harsh and extreme climatic conditions. Wide distribution of members of Bartramiaceae shows presence of calcareous substrata (Tewari & Pant 1994). The average bryophyte cover was higher in exposed sites and under coniferous forest patch, and thus considered as important ground cover in the area. The area is dominated by the acrocarpous turfs and cushion forming mosses in comparison to the pleurocarpous mosses. A deep bryophyte layer thickness is commonly associated with species groups that often have large cover, which therefore, produce a high biomass (Sun et al. 2013). This area harbours rich plant diversity. Less population, low developmental activities, and remote location of the area gives the opportunity to have the high regeneration rate of the species. Moreover, the harsh environmental conditions stimulate the adaptations in the species, hence the species occurring in the area remain unique. It is important to understand the plant communities, especially of lower plant groups, of such sites for comparative study and distribution modelling in future.  There is an abundance of rocky bulges and depressions, which provide refuge to species with morphological adaptations to stressful climates and to rare communities of plants, including bryophytes.

The existence of 21 distinct families in this region serves as a clear indication of the considerable diversity in terms of bryophyte richness and composition. This underscores the importance of conducting expeditions in the surrounding areas to compile a cumulative checklist. Such an endeavour will contribute to the formulation of effective policy management and conservation approaches.  Although the area is remote, but the small hydroelectric units and camps on ground may make the habitat vulnerable. These anthropogenic disturbances may pose a threat to the survival of many different moss taxa. Poor dispersal range of bryophytes not only limits the population recruitment but also leads to conservation implications. The niche specificity and the role of associated species together with genetic diversity need to be studied further.

 

 

Conclusions

 

Bryophytes constitute an important component of the ecosystem and contribute a significant portion of species richness and biomass as well as ground cover. Although, they play a significant role in ecosystem functioning yet they receive less attention in biodiversity mapping. These interesting groups of plants are very sensitive to environmental perturbation and fairly used as indicator species. The present study revealed the species diversity of mosses in Pangi Valley (Himachal Pradesh, India) which will help in forest policies and management to conserve the biodiversity of the area. The developmental projects in the area may cause destruction of habitats of these mosses and thus can be a potential threat to their survival. Therefore, efficient and sustainable forest practices should be adopted to safeguard this economically important plant group.

 

Table 1. Table showing the list of reported bryophyte taxa along with new records, growth form, patch size and families (Classification follows Goffinet et al. 2008).

Taxon

Substratum

Moss patch size

Growth form

Family

Voucher number

 Anacolia menziesii (Turner) Paris?

Rock

Small

Open tuft

Bartramiaceae

DUH15324

 Anoectangium stracheyanum Mitt.

Rock

Small

Dense tuft

Pottiaceae

DUH15325

 Brachythecium kamounense (Harv.) A.Jaeger

Soil, Rock

Small

Mat

Brachytheciaceae

DUH15415

 Bryoerythrophyllum recurvirostrum (Hedw.) P.C.Chen

Rock

Medium

Tuft

Pottiaceae

DUH15326

 Bryum argenteum Hedw.

Open soil

Small

Mat

Bryaceae

DUH15291

 B. kashmirense Broth.

Rock

Small

Thin mat, Julaceous

Bryaceae

DUH15327

 Chionoloma tenuirostre (Hook. & Taylor) M.Alonso, M.J.Cano & J.A.Jiménez

Wet rocks

Small

Tuft

Pottiaceae

DUH15328

 Cratoneuron filicinum (Hedw.) Spruce

Near waterfall

Small

Tuft

Amblystegiaceae

DUH15239

 Cynodontium polycarpon (Hedw.) Schimp.

Open rock

Small

Tuft

Dicranaceae

DUH15330

 Didymodon hastatus (Mitt.) R.H.Zander

Calcium rock

Small

Tuft

Pottiaceae

DUH15331

 Encalypta vulgaris Hedw.

Rock

Large

Cushion

Encalyptaceae

DUH15332

 Entodon luteonitens Renauld & Cardot?

Forest floor

Small

Tuft

Entodontaceae

DUH15333

 Fissidens grandifrons Brid.

Waterfall

Small

Mat/ Tuft

Fissidentaceae

DUH15335

 F. taxifolius Hedw.

Dry Soil

Small

Tuft

Fissidentaceae

DUH15336

 Grimmia donniana Sm.

Rock

Small

Cushion

Grimmiaceae

DUH15337

 G. elongata Kaulf.

Rock

Small

Cushion

Grimmiaceae

DUH15338

 G. funalis (Schwägr.) Bruch & Schimp.

Calcium wet rock

Medium

Cushion

Grimmiaceae

DUH15306

 G. fuscolutea Hook.

Rock

Medium

Cushion, mat

Grimmiaceae

DUH15339

 Haplocladium schimperi Thér.

Tree base, Rock

Small

Mat

Leskeaceae

DUH15292

 Hedwigia emodica Hampe ex Müll. Hal. ?

Tree bark

Small

Tuft

Burseraceae

DUH15340

 Hygroamblystegium tenax (Hedw.) Jenn.

Rock and Walls

Small

Tuft

Pottiaceae

DUH15341

 Hymentostylium recurvirostrum (Hedw.) Dixon

Rock

Medium

Tuft/ Cushion

Pottiaceae

DUH15342

 Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw.)

Forest floor

Small

Mat

Hypnaceae

DUH15343

 Lescuraea incurvata (Hedw.) E.Lawton

Dry Rocks

Small

Mat

Leskeaceae

DUH15344

 Leucodon secundus (Harv.) Mitt.

Tree bark

Medium

Tuft

Leucodontaceae

DUH15424

 L. sinensis Thér.

Tree bark

Medium

Tuft/ Mat

Leucodontaceae

DUH15345

 Lewinskya speciosa (Nees) F. Lara, Garilleti & Goffinet?

Tree branches

Small

Tuft

Orthotrichaceae

DUH15346

 Orthotrichum erubescens Müll. Hal.

Tree branches

Medium

Cushion

Orthotrichaceae

DUH15347

 Oxyrrhynchium hians (Hedw.) Loeske

Waterfall

Medium

Tuft

Brachytheciaceae

DUH15348

 Palustriella decipiens (De Not.) Ochyra?

Waterfall

Small

Tuft

Amblystegiaceae

DUH15349

 Philonotis bartramioides (Griff.) D.G.Griffin & W.R.Buck

Calcium wet rock

Large

Tuft/ Cushion

Bartramiaceae

DUH15350

 P. leptocarpa (Mitt.) ?

Wet Soil Calcium rich

Medium

Tuft

Bartramiaceae

DUH15352

 P. mollis (Dozy & Molk.) Mitt. ?

Wet Soil Calcium rich

Medium

Tuft

Bartramiaceae

DUH15353

 P. roylei (Hook.f.) Mitt.

Calcium wet rock

Medium

Tuft/ Cushion

Bartramiaceae

DUH15354

 P. turneriana (Schwägr.) Mitt.

Wet Soil Calcium rich

Medium

Tuft

Bartramiaceae

DUH15355

 Plagiothecium cavifolium (Brid.) Z.Iwats.

Tree base

Small

Mat

Plagiotheciaceae

DUH15314

 Pseudoleskeopsis zippelii (Dozy & Molk.) Broth.

Rock

Small

Mat

Leskeaceae

DUH15356

 Ptychomitrium tortula (Harv.) A.Jaeger

Tree bark

Small

Tuft

Ptychomitriaceae

DUH15316

 Ptychostomum pseudotriquetrum (Hedw.) J.R.Spence & H.P.Ramsay ex Holyoak & N.Pedersen

Open Rock

Medium

Tuft

Bryaceae

DUH15357

 Reimersia inconspicua (Griff.) P.C.Chen

Rock, Soil

Small

Tuft

Pottiaceae

DUH15358

 Rhynchostegium planiusculum (Mitt.) A.Jaeger

Forest floor

Small

Tuft

Brachytheciaceae

DUH15359

 R. riparioides (Hedw.) Cardot

Waterfall

Small

Tuft

Brachytheciaceae

DUH15360

 Rosulabryum capillare (Hedw.) J.R.Spence

Open soil

Small

Tuft

Bryaceae

DUH15361

 Sarmentypnum exannulatum (Schimp.) Hedenäs

Near waterfall

Small

Mat/ Cushion

Calliergonaceae

DUH15362

 Syntrichia ruralis (Hedw.) F.Weber & D.Mohr.

Open dry soil

Small

Tuft

Pottiaceae

DUH15365

 Symphysodontella tortifolia Dixon?

Rock

Small

Tuft

Pterobryaceae

DUH15363

 Syrrhopodon armatus (Schwägr.)

Soil

Medium

Tuft

Calymperaceae

DUH15317

 Thuidium assimile (Mitt.) A.Jaeger

Forest floor

Medium

Tuft

Thuidiaceae

DUH15364

 Tortella tortuosa (Schrad. ex Hedw.) Limpr.

Dry rocks

Small

Tuft

Pottiaceae

DUH15366

—New records to Himachal Pradesh | Moss Patch Size: Small = 0−3 cm, Medium = 3−8 cm, Large = < 8 cm

 

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