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Buellia maharajensis: A New Lichen Species Discovered in Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala

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Researchers have discovered a new saxicolous lichen species named Buellia maharajensis in Mathikettan Shola National Park, Idukki district, Kerala, at an elevation of about 1,351 metres. The species was named in honour of Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, on its 150th anniversary to recognise its long scientific contribution. This discovery is part of a wider survey documenting about 250 lichen species in the park, including 60 new to Kerala and 15 new to India, highlighting the park's significance as a biodiversity hotspot. The findings were published in the international journal Taiwania, reflecting collaborative research involving institutions such as Maharaja’s College, Kerala Forest Research Institute, and CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute.

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Key Facts

  • Buellia maharajensis is a new saxicolous lichen species discovered in Mathikettan Shola National Park in Kerala.
  • The lichen grows on rock surfaces (saxicolous) at an elevation of approximately 1,351 metres.
  • The species is named in honour of Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, commemorating its 150th anniversary.
  • The discovery resulted from a lichen biodiversity survey in the park that documented around 250 lichen species, including 60 species recorded for the first time in Kerala and 15 new records for India.
  • The findings were published in the international scientific journal Taiwania in 2026.

Background & Context

Mathikettan Shola National Park, located in Idukki district, Kerala, is part of the Western Ghats, a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot. The park encompasses shola forests—montane evergreen ecosystems unique to the region—and is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Lichens are composite organisms resulting from a symbiotic association between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, usually algae or cyanobacteria. Saxicolous lichens specifically colonise rock surfaces, adapting to specialised microhabitats. The discovery of Buellia maharajensis contributes to expanding knowledge of lichen diversity in this ecologically important area.

The lichen study resulted from collaboration among researchers from Maharaja’s College, Kerala Forest Research Institute, and CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, reflecting India's growing scientific research on biodiversity.

Why This Matters for Exams

Questions related to biodiversity, new species discovery, and protected areas frequently appear in competitive exams in India. Understanding the significance of species like Buellia maharajensis and their ecological context helps in grasping concepts related to ecosystem services, bioindicators (lichens as sensitive indicators of environmental change), conservation policies, and Indian biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats.

Awareness of India’s environmental laws such as the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the roles of protected areas like national parks is also crucial for exam preparation in environmental studies and polity-related subjects.

Points to Remember

  • Buellia maharajensis is a saxicolous lichen newly discovered in a high-altitude shola forest ecosystem.
  • Mathikettan Shola National Park was officially declared a national park in 2003 and covers approximately 12.82 sq km.
  • The park is part of the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats with rich flora and fauna.
  • Lichens are important bioindicators of forest ecosystem health and undisturbed environments.
  • The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provides legal protection to such national parks in India.
  • The species was named to honour Maharaja’s College for its scientific contributions, highlighting the role of academic institutions in biodiversity research.
  • Collaborative research efforts augment understanding and conservation of lesser-known taxa like lichens in India.

Practice MCQs

Question 1

  1. Mathikettan Shola National Park is located in which Indian state?
  2. Goa
  3. Kerala
  4. Karnataka
  5. Tamil Nadu

Answer: Kerala

Question 2

  1. What type of lichen is Buellia maharajensis?
  2. Foliose
  3. Fruticose
  4. Saxicolous
  5. Corticolous

Answer: Saxicolous (rock-dwelling)

Question 3

  1. Buellia maharajensis was named to honour which institution?
  2. Kerala Forest Research Institute
  3. Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam
  4. CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute
  5. Indian Botanical Society

Answer: Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam

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