A Note on Bryophyte Diversity in Context of Habitat and Anthropogenic Intervention at Ghoom (Darjeeling), Eastern Himalaya, India

Abstract

An assessment of diversity of bryophytes at Ghoom, Darjeeling Hills has been made. A total of 47 species belonging to 37 genera and 26 families have been identified during the study. Six habitats were selected to compare relative bryophyte distribution. Evaluation of the bryophyte distribution in different habitats has been done with an observation of different growth forms occurring in the area. It has been noticed that bryophyte diversity in terms of number of taxa was quite low here as compared to nearby Jalapahar and Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary of Darjeeling hills surveyed during study, owing to higher level of pollution and habitat loss due to constant anthropogenic movement.