Wildlife and Nature Protection Society lecture on 'Living with Lichens'

Features

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society's monthly lecture will take place today at the Jasmine Hall at the BMICH. The topic for this month's lecture is titled 'Living with Lichens' and delivered by Dr Gothamie Weerakoon. The lecture will commence at 6p.m.

Lichens play a vital role as bio-indicators of air pollution, ozone depletion, metal contamination and climate change since they are extremely sensitive to environmental changes.

Although it goes unnoticed many animals including humans depends on lichens; mimicry, to capture food, bedding and housing, dyes, antibiotics, perfumes, tea, flavouring agents etc.

Tropical regions in the world are the hotspots for lichens. During last 5 yrs over 80 new species were discovered in Sri Lanka. For lichen family Graphidaceae, Sri Lanka has been identified as the world’s hotspot. However, these fascinating organisms have not received due attention.

Most of the lichens are exclusively found in specific habitats in the country and are point endemics. There is an urge to identify these organisms and conserve in their natural habitats.

Image courtesy Mathew Cicanese

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