Biodeterioration Activity of Lichens Communities on Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka World Heritage Zone, Madhya Pradesh, India

A diverse array of 40 lichen species, organized into 10 distinct communities, thrives on the rock shelters of Bhimbetka. Dominated by crustose and squamulose lichens (21 species), followed by Physioid (8) and Teloschistacean (7) communities, these organisms play dual roles: they contribute to biodeterioration while also offering bioprotection. The study highlights the ecological significance of these lichen communities in a micro-climatic environment conducive to their colonization, providing insights into their complex interactions with the heritage structures.

Bajpai, Aahuti., Mishra, G. K., Upreti, D. K., & Tandon, P. K. (2022). Biodeterioration Activity of Lichens Communities on Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka World Heritage Zone, Madhya Pradesh, India. International Journal of Plant and Environment, 8(01), 64–71. https://doi.org/10.18811/ijpen.v8i01.07