Bryophytes of Chikkamagaluru District, Central Western Ghats-Karnataka

Present scenario is angiospermic centric conception of the Globe. Studies and researches are highly related to either angiosperms and/or microscopic (bacteria and virus). But, bryophytes are neglected lower group of land plants, which occupy a place between these two highly considered groups. India is a vast country and the studies pertaining to systematics and distribution of bryophytes is still unexplored in many parts of the Nation. Much of the work has been done in Eastern India, with limited documentation studies in the Western Ghats, not much work has done in Chikkamagaluru District, Karnataka except Bhadra wild life sanctuary. Survey of literature indicated that study of bryophytes in Chikkamagaluru District has not been studied comprehensively. The conservation agencies are interested in promoting and maintaining bio-diversity, based on rapidly measurable forest characteristics for effective implementation of protective measures. Hence, the present study is aimed to the diversity and distribution of bryophytes in Chikkamagaluru district.