Abstract:
The bryophytes of the Western Ghats are a vital component of the
biodiversity and ecological functioning. Their conservation is
essential not only for preserving the unique flora of the Western
Ghats but also for maintaining the ecological balance of the region. Research, habitat protection and public awareness are key to
ensuring the survival of the important plants. Mosses, belonging to
the class Bryopsida, are a significant component of the bryophyte
flora in the Western Ghats which are small, non-vascular plants that
found in a wide range of habitats within the Western Ghats, from the
lowland rainforests to the high-altitude montane regions. It plays a
critical role in the ecology of the region, contributing to soil
formation, water retention and providing microhabitats for various
organisms. Liverworts, belonging to the division Marchantiophyta, are a significant group of non-vascular plants, often overlooked due
to their small size and play an essential role in the ecology of the
region. Liverworts are among the earliest land plants and thrive in
the moist, shaded environments that characterize the Western Ghats.
