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and exposed the presence of 44 taxa. Kiran B R., (2016) explored distribution and occurrence

of desmids of Bhadra reservoir, Karnataka and 46 taxa were reported. Nagaraj Parisara et al
(2017) accounted the distribution of Chlorococcales (15 taxa) in Konandur pond of

Shivamogga.
However, most of the freshwater bodies of the district of Shivamogaa is unexplored

and yet to be studied. Therefore, the present attempt was subjected to provide the
fundamental data towards the existence of algal taxa from Keladi pond of Shivamogaa

District, Karnataka.

MATERIALS & METHODS
Study area

Shivamogga district of Karnataka is situated in the heart of the western ghat region,

with a geographical area of 8465 sq.km is situated in the mid-south-western part of the state
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at 13 27 to 14 39 N and 74 38 to 76 4 E. There are seven taluks; Bhadravathi,
Hosanagara, Sagara, Shivamogga, Shikaripura, Soraba and Thirthahalli. Shivamogga
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received an average rainfall of 1811mm, average annual temperature is around 24.8 C.
Shivamogga district is also known as ‘Gateway of Malnad’, spread with waterfalls,
enchanting natural scenery of hills, dense forests, flora and fauna. The important rivers that
flow through the Shivamogga district are Tunga, Bhadra and Varada. There are plenty of

ponds in Shivamogga district. Some ponds are perennial, some are seasonal and are rich in
phytoplankton diversity.

Sagara is a city located in Western ghats range, known for its contiguity to jog falls
and to the historical places of Ikkeri, Keladi and Varadamoola. Keladi Hirekere pond of

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Sagara situated between 14 22 North lattitude and 17 057 East longitude. This pond is
surrounded by paddy fields, Areca & Coconut plantations and temple. Keladi pond water is
utilizing for agricultural aspects and drinking purpose (Fig. – I & Plate – I).
Collection of algal samples and Identification
Algal samples were collected from different sites of Keladi hirekere pond during

September 2018 to January 2020. The samples were collected in wide mouth containers. The

containers were cleaned and rinsed with distilled water before collection. The collected
samples were preserved in 4% Formalin solution for further studies. The preserved algal

samples were observed under Magnus binocular microscope and micrographed. The
identification of algal taxa was done by using standard monographs, manuals such as G S

West 1904; T.V Desikachary 1959; Scott & Prescott 1961; Prescott 1954, 1962; Kamat 1962,

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