Bryophyte biodiversity of the Dabashan National Nature Reserve in Chongqing

Abstract

The Dabashan National Nature Reserve is one of 35 biodiversity conservation priority areas of China. However, little is known about bryophyte biodiversity in this area. Based on an extensive field investtigation, we recorded 390 species (in 141 genera of 57 families) in the Dabashan National Nature Reserve. Of these, 82 species (in 31 genera of 21 families) were liverworts and 308 species (in 110 genera of 36 families) were mosses. Eighty species were first recorded in Chongqing. Families with more than 10 species included Brachytheciaceae, Pottiaceae, Hypnaceae, Bryaceae, Mniaceae and Dicranaceae, which accounted for 41.03% of the total species. Genera with more than 10 species included Brachythecium, Bryum, Entodon, Porella and Frullania, and accounted for 15.64% of the total species. Bryophyte diversity between altitudes of 1,000 m and 2,480 m showed a hump-shaped pattern. A peak was found at low elevations (1,200–1,600 m) with 91.79% of the total species found at these elevations. Therefore, we suggest that this elevational belt be a priority area for bryophyte conservation in the Dabashan National Nature Reserve.