Seasonal variation of desmids diversity (zygnematales, zygnemaceae) from Jim Corbett National Park (JCNP), India

Abstract

The present paper is an exclusive contribution of the desmids flora of Jim Corbett National Park (JCNP), Uttarakhand, India. The study revealed 51 desmids taxa which included Cosmarium (29 taxa), Closterium(11 taxa), Euastrum(3 taxa), Cylindrocystis(2 taxa) and a single taxon of Micrasterias, Pleurotaeium, Penium, Staurastrum, Heimansiaand Netriumwere reported from the samples collected during January to December 2019 from JCNP. All these taxa have been recorded for the first time from the study area except two desmids - Cosmarium monoliformeand Closterium monoliformumreported earlier from our study site. Maximum desmids diversity occurred in winter season followed by monsoon, and minimum diversity were recorded in summer season. Physico-chemical parameters revealed water bodies of the park were ideal habitat for desmids. The trophic status of water bodies of the park were classified as oligotrophic (O), oligotrophic - mesotrophic (OM) and mesotrophic (M). The present study helps in serving desmids as bio indicator of freshwater aquatic ecosystem.