Semi-natural deciduous broadleaved woods in southern Sweden—habitat factors of importance to some bryophyte species

Abstract

A number of bryophyte species presumed to prefer deciduous, broadleaved woodlands with a long continuity were recorded in 101 stands in southern Sweden with different history and in different successional stages. The species Antitrichia curtipendula, Herzogiella seligeri, Homalia trichomanoides, Neckera complanata, Porella platyphylla, Rhytidialdephus loreus and Ulota crispa were found in 10 stands or more. Conservation-orientated habitat variables which indicate occurrence of natural forest conditions were registered and also factors of stand quality used in forest surveys. The bryophyte species recorded were most frequent in stands with many slopes, surrounded by other deciduous, broadleaved stands, with occurrence of large, old deciduous broadleaved trees and with a large number of shrub and tree species. Today most of this type of woodland is continuously transformed to managed forest plantations, and the bryophytes will decrease unless the woods are protected or have a modified management, including preservation of old trees, retention of a protective shrub- and tree layer close to slopes and maintenance of a large variety of tree and shrub species.