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The algal biodiversity of Western Ghats (Idukki District, Kerala) is an unexplored area to a great extent.
This is the first systematic study conducted on the ‘Algal Flora of Western Ghats’, and other parts of
Idukki. Through extensive field visit during various seasons, algal specimens are collected, preserved and
identified. The specimens are located with the help of a GPS and digital images are produced through
advanced digital photomicrography. 19 new taxa belonging to the class Chlorophyceae are collected,
identified as new to science and new reports from Indian subcontinent and Kerala state. The collections
are preserved at the Algal Research Division of the Research Centre at Sacred Heart College, Thevara,
Cochin, Kerala.
Keywords: Algal biodiversity, GPS, digital photomicrography, Western Ghats, endemic.