INFLUENCE OF ANTHROPOGENIC DISTURBANCES ON LICHEN COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND BIOPROSPECTING POTENTIAL IN RECREATIONAL HOTSPOTS OF DISTRICT REASI, JAMMU & KASHMIR

Abstract

This study documents lichen diversity across nine sites in District Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, with an emphasis on the contrast between tourist-influenced and relatively undisturbed habitats. A total of 50 species representing 33 genera and 15 families were recorded from whole of the Reasi district. Physciaceae emerged as the dominant family, followed by Verrucariaceae and Parmeliaceae. Both crustose and foliose forms were equally represented. Among substrates, bark supported the highest number of species, followed by rock and soil. Non-tourist sites exhibited greater richness, while heavily visited sites like Katra and Reasi were characterized by a higher proportion of tolerant and cosmopolitan taxa. The findings underline how tourism pressure and environmental disturbance shape species composition, highlighting lichens as sensitive indicators for monitoring ecological health in Himalayan landscapes. The study further highlights the bioprospecting significance of several recorded lichen taxa known for their bioactive secondary metabolites and antimicrobial properties, Anthropogenic disturbances may therefore threaten not only lichen diversity but also ecologically valuable species with potential pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.