Indexing

An Account on Diversity, Distribution and Host Range of Mistletoes in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka, India

Author: G. Rekha, L. Prakash, P. Rameshkumar and K.A. Sujana

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Abstract

Mistletoes are a unique group of plants named for their sticky fruits. As part of the floristic study of Angiosperm diversity in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka, a total of 22 taxa of mistletoes belonging to two families were documented. Out of which 2 species endemic to India, 8 species endemic to Southern India and 3 were restricted to Karnataka state. The study reports Dendrophthoe gamblei L.J. Singh, Ranjan, Rasingam & J. Swamy, a recently discovered species as an addition to the state flora of Karnataka. The present study provides an additional distributional location to Viscum malurianum Sanjai & N.P. Balakr. and also reports new host ranges for Taxillus heyneanus (Schult. & Schult.f.) Danser, Viscum ramosissimum Roxb. ex DC. and Viscum heyneanum DC.

Keywords

Mistletoes, Dendrophthoe gamblei, Viscum malurianum, Host range

Conclusion

The diversity of mistletoes in Bandipur Tiger Reserve is high due to its location in the shaded area of the continuous Western Ghats mountains and the presence of over 300 bird species, particularly Pale-billed flower peckers and Sunbirds, which spread these berries throughout the reserve. However, not all mistletoes pose a threat to their hosts, and as long as their presence does not endanger the host's life, they can be allowed to grow. While not all mistletoes cause significant damage to their hosts in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, their presence can become problematic if they threaten endemic plant diversity. Long-term monitoring is necessary to ascertain if the host trees are dying. In such cases, if long-term monitoring proves the death of a host, it may be beneficial to remove the parasites. This can be followed even if the parasite is endemic. Mechanical removal of mistletoes can be an effective strategy for conserving native biodiversity to manage the impact on endemic host species.

References

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How to cite this article

G. Rekha, L. Prakash, P. Rameshkumar and K.A. Sujana (2024). An Account on Diversity, Distribution and Host Range of Mistletoes in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(12): 148-153.