Epilithic Cyanobacteria on Temples and Caves of Western Odisha

Deteriorating action of microorganisms including cyanobacteria on historic monuments viz. temples, tombs, forts and caves has received considerable attention today. Among biodeteriogens knowledge about the taxonomy and physiological role of cyanobacterial population inhabiting rock substratum is found to be the first and foremost for successful conservation treatment. Considering the growing concerns for the preservation of such monuments an initiative is taken to compile a book which will primarily focus on major biodeteriogen, epilithic and cryptoendolithic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). This book emphasizes the diversity of cyanobacterial flora on temples and caves of a tropical region of the globe, the western Odisha, India. The book will also cater to the needs of professionals involved in the field of stone conservation, students, teachers and researchers keeping interest in microbial especially, epilithic cyanobacterial systematics, the problematic group of microorganisms. This piece of work concludes with a possible direction for further investigation on systematic account of cyanobacteria in tropical region. We welcome the reader's comments and observations.