The biota of lichen-forming and lichenicolous fungi occurring in the Western Ghats were analyzed utilizing recent publications. The study revealed the occurrence of 1617 taxa of lichen-forming fungi (or lichens) with 1597 species, 19 varieties, 2 subspecies, 1 forma. The lichenicolous fungi were represented by 28 species. As the lichenicolous fungi are fewer in number and unexplored groups, the
... [Show full abstract] emphasis is given to lichens in the present communication.