Bryophyte Composition Research Articles

Volatile Organic Compounds of Bryophytes from Peninsular Malaysia and Their Roles in Bryophytes.

Volatile emissions from 22 bryophyte species from Peninsular Malaysia were collected using a dynamic headspace technique and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty organic compounds (VOCs) from eight different groups were detected in bryophytes from the montane forest in Cameron Highlands and the lowland dipterocarp forest in Lata Belatan. The headspace of bryophytes in Cameron Highlands was dominated by tetradecane, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, decanal, pentanoic acid, 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-carboxyisopropyl, isobutyl ester, D-limonene and naphthalene. On the contrary, in the bryophyte headspace of Lata Belatan, naphthalene and tetradecane were dominant compounds. The elevational pattern detected in VOC composition of bryophytes appears to be an evolutionary feature at the family level that needs verification at other sites. The results also confirmed that the VOC composition of bryophytes is species-specific. The roles of VOCs in bryophytes are presented, including plant–plant communication and plant–insect interaction and as an additional taxonomic character in chemotaxonomy.

The Utility of Ground Bryophytes in the Assessment of Soil Condition in Heavy Metal-Polluted Grasslands.

Bryophytes are commonly used in biomonitoring heavy metal pollution, whereas the bioindicative value of bryophyte communities is a less known issue. The aim of the present study is to recognize the utility of the bryophyte community’s structure in the assessment of soil condition in heavy metal-polluted, dry grasslands. The study plots are examined with respect to bryophytes; vascular plants; concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd, and As in the soil; total nitrogen and organic carbon content in the soil; and soil pH. The results show that both bryophyte species richness and composition greatly depend on soil chemical characteristics, including heavy-metal pollution levels and soil pH. Three groups of species are distinguished: (1) species sensitive to pollution growing on acidic soils, (2) nonspecific species inhabiting a wide spectrum of heavy metal-polluted sites, and (3) species preferring polluted and alkaline soils. Our study reveals a gradual replacement of the bryophyte species alongside increasing soil pollution and alkalinity. This proves that bryophytes are highly responsive to soil factors and the changes in bryophyte composition may indicate the soil condition of a certain site. Furthermore, high concentrations of heavy metals in the soil and an alkaline pH positively affect bryophyte species richness. Consequently, such sites could be considered as biodiversity hotspots for terrestrial bryophytes in post-industrial landscapes.

SYSTEMATIC STRUCTURE OF BRIOFLORA OF BORIVSKY FORESTRY OF POLTAVA DISTRICT, POLTAVA REGION

The systematic structure of bryoflora of Borivsky forestry of Poltava district, Poltava region is analyzed in the article. According to the results of our research, it has been established that the species composition of bryophytes includes 71 species of bryophytes, which belong to two divisions, five classes, 14 orders, 25 families, 44 genera. The division Marchantiophyta is represented by six species, which belong to four families, five genera. Division Bryophyta is represented by 65 species belonging to 21 families, 39 genera. The taxonomic structure of the bryoflora is characterized by the predominance of small species.The range of leading families includes 12 families, numbering 57 species (80.28%), headed by the family Brachytheciaceae. In second and third place, respectively, are the families Dicranaceae, Polytrichaceae, (7 species). The forest character of the bryoflora is also indicated by species-silvants from the families Bryaceae, Hylocomiáceae, Hypnaseae, Lophocoleaceae, Mniaceae, Orthotrichaceae, Plagiotheciaseae. Pylaisiadelphaceae, Radulaceae and others. The presence of wetlands is evidenced by the presence in the studied bryoflora of species of the families Amblystegiaceae, Sphagnaceae.Further analysis of the bryoflora of Borivsky forestry will allow to establish its ecological-biological, biomorphological, ecological-coenotic and geographical features.

The biodiversity of birch stands in agricultural landscapes of Estonia is associated with past land use, restoration approach, site and landscape variables

AbstractQuestionsAbandonment of agricultural land followed by tree planting or natural regeneration has increased forest area in Europe. We asked how restoration approach, past land use, site and landscape variables affected the richness and composition of vascular plants (field and shrub layers), bryophytes and lichens in middle‐aged forests.LocationThirty‐three birch stands in Estonia.MethodsData were collected from stands on former agricultural land that originated from plantations (PL‐A) or natural regeneration (NR‐A), and for reference, from native forest land (NR‐F). In every stand a 10 m × 10 m survey plot was established. Generalised Linear Mixed Models were used to test the effect of restoration approach, past land use, soil, light, stand and landscape variables on species richness estimates. Compositional patterns were analysed using Non‐metric Multidimensional Scaling, permutational multivariate analysis of variance and indicator species analysis.ResultsAltogether 215 vascular plant, 70 bryophyte and 63 lichen species were found. The effects of restoration approach, past land use, and site and landscape variables on the species richness varied depending on the taxonomic and ecological groups of species. The richness of shrubs and bryophytes was higher in NR‐A than in PL‐A, and both variables were also related to soil properties. The richness of the field layer was related to past land use because previous croplands hosted fewer forest species than previous grasslands and stands on forest land. Higher current forest cover around the studied stands increased the richness of lichens, which were also affected by light and soil conditions. Species composition differed among the three stand types; however, the previous land use (agriculture vs forest) had a stronger effect than the restoration approach.ConclusionsAlthough natural forest regeneration promoted biodiversity the most, plantations also supported the recovery of biodiversity at abandoned agricultural sites. Therefore, on a regional scale both restoration approaches are recommended.

Rock‐climbing shifts cliff‐face vegetation community composition based on site characteristics

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the effects of rock‐climbing on diversity, abundance and composition of cliff‐face vegetation along environmental gradients? Does site variability influence cliff vegetation more than the presence of climbing?LocationLinville Gorge Wilderness Area, NC, USA.MethodsWe compared species richness, Shannon’s diversity, abundance and species composition of lichens, bryophytes and vascular plants within 334 plots, each 1 m2. We compared climbed plots with unclimbed plots using Non‐metric Multidimensional (Distance) Scaling ordination, means comparison and regression analysis.ResultsEighty‐five species were observed within 334 m2 of cliff‐face plots, including one North Carolina state (Canoparmelia alabamensis) and 21 Burke County collection records. Climbing altered cliff plant communities: unclimbed cliffs supported more diverse and different species than did climbed cliffs. However, site was more important than was climbing in differentiating cliff community composition. Variation in species composition was driven mostly by variation in cliff aspect and surface heterogeneity. Cliffs with the highest surface heterogeneity had the highest species richness, diversity and abundance of all three vegetation types (lichens, bryophytes and vascular plants). Unclimbed areas had similar richness, diversity and abundance compared with easy climbing routes, whereas harder climbing routes supported lower species richness and abundance of all vegetation types.ConclusionsDifferences in cliff‐face vegetation in Linville Gorge were due more to site variability than to climbing impact. Therefore, management of climbing areas and decisions for future route development should be site‐specific and include a thorough biological survey.

Plant biodiversity declines with increasing coffee yield in Ethiopia's coffee agroforests

Abstract Tropical agroforestry systems provide farmers with resources for their livelihoods, but are also well‐recognized as refuges for biodiversity. However, the relationship between yield and biodiversity might be negative in these systems, reflecting a potential trade‐off between managing for increased yield or biodiversity. The potential for synergies will depend partly on the shape of the biodiversity–yield relationship, where a concave relationship suggests a faster decline in biodiversity with increasing yields than a linear or convex shape. We studied the relationship between biodiversity (plant species richness and composition) and coffee yield along a gradient of management in south‐western Ethiopia, coffee's native range. We inventoried species richness and community composition of woody plants, herbaceous plants and bryophytes at 60 sites. We also measured coffee management‐related variables and assessed coffee yield for 3 consecutive years at each site. Species richness of woody plants had a concave relationship with coffee yield, that is, tree richness declined fast initially before levelling out at higher yields, whereas there was no relationship between coffee yield and species richness of herbaceous plants or bryophytes. Species composition of woody plants, herbaceous plants and bryophytes all had a concave relationship with coffee yield. From a methodological perspective, we found that multi‐year data on yield were necessary to reliably assess the relationship between biodiversity and yield, and that the number of coffee shrubs or coffee dominance were poor proxies for yield when trying to capture the biodiversity–yield relationship. Synthesis and applications. The concave relationship between biodiversity components (species richness and composition) and yield suggests that there is a strong conflict between the goals of increasing production and conserving biodiversity. However, it is important to recognize that this pattern is largely driven by the very low‐yielding sites in natural forests. Here, even minor intensification of coffee management seems to rapidly erode biodiversity. Along the rest of the productivity gradient, there was generally no negative relationship between yield and biodiversity, implying opportunities for developing strategies for increasing yields without biodiversity loss.

Predictive mapping of bryophyte diversity associated with mature forests using LiDAR-derived indices in a strongly managed landscape

Recovery of bryophyte diversity following silvicultural treatments depends upon the reestablishment of favorable microhabitats and microclimatic conditions. Without sources of propagules (reproductive structures) within the managed landscape, however, even optimal habitat conditions would not be sufficient to ensure bryophyte diversity. To identify sources of propagules and ensure their protection, we used indices that were derived from a Digital Elevation Model (DEMs) and an airborne point cloud (LiDAR; Light Detection and Ranging) as explanatory variables to predict bryophyte biodiversity. Bryophytes were collected in the intensively managed Black Brook District of New Brunswick, Canada, in eight mature managed and unmanaged forest types (n = 38). Our results show a strong bryophyte community gradient between wetter stands (Cedar, riparian zone and Spruce-Fir) and drier stands (Tolerant Harwood and Plantation) forming two distinctive groups. Indices explaining bryophyte composition and richness were related to moisture (closest distance to a stream), canopy (canopy relief ratio, canopy closure and density) and microtopography (Topographic Position Index). Models obtained from these indices explained 75% of bryophyte composition and predicted composition with a certainty of 71% The predominance of the closest distance to a stream in our model reinforces the great importance of buffer along the hydrological network. Buffers represent a substantial propagule source for the landscape and notably increase its ecological connectivity. Although wetter sites had greater richness, the completely different composition find at drier sites suggest that biodiversity management efforts to maintain bryophytes should not be restricted to wetter stands. Our model demonstrates the potential of airborne LiDAR-derived indices as surrogates for field data in estimating and mapping bryophyte compositions to understand the variation in diversity across the managed landscape. This model can be used as a dynamic tool to target areas that represent the overall bryophyte diversity of the managed landscape to ensure protection of propagule sources and favors reestablishment.

Spatial variation in human disturbances and their effects on forest structure and biodiversity across an Afromontane forest

ContextHuman disturbances can have large impacts on forest structure and biodiversity, and thereby result in forest degradation, a property difficult to detect by remote sensing.ObjectivesTo investigate spatial variation in anthropogenic disturbances and their effects on forest structure and biodiversity.MethodsIn 144 plots of 20 × 20 m distributed across a forest area of 750 km2 in Southwest Ethiopia, we recorded: landscape variables (e.g., distance to forest edge), different human disturbances, forest structure variables, and species composition of trees and epiphyllous bryophytes. We then first assessed if landscape variables could explain the spatial distribution of disturbances. Second, we analysed how forest structure and biodiversity were influenced by disturbances.ResultsHuman disturbances, such as coffee management and grazing declined with distance to forest edges, and penetrated at least a kilometer into the forest. Slope was not related to disturbance levels, but several types of disturbances were less common at higher elevations. Among human disturbance types, coffee management reduced liana cover and was associated with altered species composition of trees. The presence of large trees and basal area were not related to any of the disturbance gradients.ConclusionsAlthough most anthropogenic disturbances displayed clear edge effects, surprisingly the variation in the chosen forest degradation indices were only weakly related to these disturbances. We suggest that the intersection between edge effects and forest degradation is very context specific and relies much on how particular societies use the forests. For example, in this landscape coffee management seems to be a key driver.

Forest fires have long-term effects on the composition of vascular plants and bryophytes in Scots pine forests of hemiboreal Estonia

Since fire frequency is expected to increase globally due to climate change, it is important to understand its effects on forest ecosystems. We studied the long-term patterns in species diversity, cover and composition of vascular plants and bryophytes after forest fire and the site-related factors behind them. Research was carried out in northwestern Estonia, using a chronosequence of Scots pine ( L.) stands, located on nutrient poor sandy soils, where fires had occurred 12, 23, 38, 69, 80 and 183 years ago. In every stand three 100 m vegetation plots were established to collect floristic and environmental information. The effects on floristic characteristics of time since fire, light, and soil variables were evaluated with linear mixed models, followed by backward variable selection. Compositional variation was analysed with non-metric multidimensional scaling, Multi-response Permutation Procedures, and Indicator Species Analysis. Altogether, 31 vascular plant and 39 bryophyte species were found in vegetation plots. The cover of the vascular plant and bryophyte layers increased with a longer time since fire. Soil and light variables impacted the richness of several vascular plant and bryophyte groups, whereas only the richness of liverworts and dwarf-shrubs correlated with time since fire. Considerable compositional differences were observed in vascular plant and bryophyte assemblages between recently vs. long-time ago burned stands. To conclude, time since fire significantly impacted compositional patterns of vascular plants and bryophytes in pine forests on nutrient poor soils, although time-related trends in species richness were less evident.Pinus sylvestris2

Post-fire effects on bryophytes in High-Altitude Fields

High-Altitude Fields are ecosystems with high bryophyte abundances and diversities. One of the principal threats to these ecosystems are wildfires, which mainly affect terricolous species. Chronosequence studies can aid in understanding post-fire effects on bryophytes. We studied terricolous assemblages of bryophytes in the High-Altitude Fields of Itatiaia National Park (INP) by establishing three 20x1 m transects in five areas: three areas of a post-fire chronosequence (treatments 2017, 2007, and 2001) and two control areas. We analyzed the species richness, floristic composition, life-forms, and floristic similarities of those transects, identifying 27 species of mosses (18 genera; 11 families) and 26 species of liverworts (20 genera; 16 families). Ditrichaceae was the principal moss family and Cephaloziellaceae the principal liverwort family. The life-forms encountered were turf (43 %), weft (38 %), thalloid (10 %), and mat (9 %). Turf predominated among mosses (85 %), and weft among liverworts (62 %). Species richness and floristic compositions varied among the post-fire gradients. The grouping dendrogram and ordination diagram evidenced greater similarity among transects within the same area. However, there was no evident gradient of floristic composition along the post-fire gradient, and further studies will be needed to quantify environmental gradients and their influences on bryophyte composition.

Новые и редкие виды мохообразных (Bryophyta, Marchantiophyta) для Ленинградской области с выходов девонских песчаников в бассейне реки Луга

Outcrops of Devonian sandstones in the Leningrad Region represent a unique habitat for bryophytes. These outcrops are locally different in chemical composition, light and moisture conditions and serve as specific microhabitats for different bryophyte species and their communities. In this article, four rare liverwort and 12 rare moss species are reported from the outcrops of Devonian sandstones in the Luga River Basin which covers the southwestern part of the region. Description of habitats and distribution of each species are discussed. Mesoptychia collaris is new for the Leningrad Region. This specimen is described and illustrated by detailed photomicrographs. The discovery of M. collaris in the Leningrad Region is the southernmost in Northwestern Russia. Among the other rare species, Tortula lingulata is protected in Russia, Atrichum flavisetum, Mesoptychia heterocolpos, Metzgeria furcata, Mnium hornum, Myurella julacea, Saelania glaucescens are protected in the Leningrad Region. An analysis of species composition and distribution of bryophytes persuades us to distinguish the outcrops of Devonian sandstones in the Luga River Basin as important bryophyte refuges of the northwestern outskirts of the Russian Plain.

Bryophyte species and communities on various roofing materials, Estonia


 
 
 Considering the recent growth of interest in using mosses in creating vegetated green roofs, we set the aim of our study to get an overview of the variety of moss and liverwort species and communities growing spontaneously on roofs. Data were collected from 67 roofs of five different types of materials: fibre cement, bitumen, stone, thatched and steel from Tallinn and rural areas on Hiiumaa Island and in South Estonia. Indicator species analysis, MRPP, cluster analysis and ordination methods (DCA, CCA) were used for data analysis. As a result of this research, generalist bryophytes occurring on all types of roofing materials were studied and bryophyte species characteristics for certain material types were identified. The thatched roofs differed most clearly from the other roof types in their species composition and had the highest species diversity. Stone and fibre cement roofs had similar species composition. The results revealed significant dependence of the composition of the bryophyte flora on roofs on the density of the bryophyte carpet formed over time on the roof and the presence of a tree canopy above the roof. Other important factors were roof relief, the height of the roof from the ground and the indicator of environmental pollution NOx. However, the studied roofs in Tallinn and rural areas did not show significant differences in the species composition of bryophytes. Five communities were delimited: (1) Syntrichia ruralis – Schistidium apocarpum; (2) Orthotrichum speciosum – Bryum argenteum; (3) Brachythecium rutabulum – Hypnum cupressiforme; (4) Ceratodon purpureus – Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus; and (5) Pleurozium schreberi – Dicranum scoparium. The mentioned communities inhabited locations that differed in environmental conditions. The findings of this research can help choose the roofing material and species suitable for a certain location in creating moss greenery on roofs.
 
 

Regional typology of spring vegetation in Parc Ela (Grisons, Switzerland)

Aims: The spring habitats of Central Europe are insular biotopes of high ecological value. Although subject to severe exploitation pressures, they do not yet have a comprehensive protection status in Switzerland. Contributing to this challenge is the controversy involved with their syntaxonomic classification. In the context of the development of a regional conservation strategy and the establishment of a national inventory of Swiss springs, we carried out a regional survey of spring vegetation and aimed to translate this into a classification system.Study area: Montane and subalpine zones of Parc Ela (Grisons, Switzerland).Methods: We selected 20 springs to cover different regions, elevations and bedrock types within the park. In each of them we recorded complete vascular plant and bryophyte composition as well as a range of environmental variables in three 1-m² plots that were placed to reflect the heterogeneity within the spring. After running an unsupervised classification with modified TWINSPAN, the distinguished vegetation units were characterized in terms of diagnostic species, species richness and environmental variables and placed within the syntaxonomic system.Results: Species richness was high (total species 264, mean 21.7 species in 1 m2). The two most important environmental gradients of the ordination were elevation/water conductivity and insolation/water pH/soil reaction EIV. We distinguished seven communities within two main groups.Conclusions: All unshaded springs, including those over siliceous bedrock, could be assigned to a broadly definedCratoneurion. The petrifying springs were not strongly distinguishable floristically from other base-rich springs. The forest springs, although often not clearly differentiated from their unshaded counterparts, could be provisionally divided into the alliancesCaricion remotaeandLycopodo europaei-Cratoneurion commutati. As there is a certain threat to these habitats in the park due to anthropogenic influence, protection measures are recommended, most importantly the appropriate management of alpine pastures.Taxonomic reference: Juillerat et al. (2017) for vascular plants, Meier et al. (2013) for bryophytes.Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; DCA = detrended correspondence analysis; EIV = ecological indicator value; FOEN = Federal Office of the Environment (Switzerland); NCHO = Ordinance on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage; SD = standard deviation; TWINSPAN = Two Way Indicator Species Analysis; WPA = Federal Act on the Protection of Waters.

Structuring Interaction Networks Between Epiphytic Bryophytes and Their Hosts in Yunnan, SW China

Ecological networks are commonly applied to depict general patterns of biotic interactions, which provide tools to understand the mechanism of community assembly. Commensal interactions between epiphytes and their hosts are a major component of species interactions in forest canopies; however, few studies have investigated species assemblage patterns and network structures of epiphyte–host interactions, particularly non-vascular epiphytes in different types of forest. To analyze the characteristics of network structures between epiphytes and their hosts, composition and distribution of epiphytic bryophytes were investigated from 138 host individuals using canopy cranes in a tropical lowland seasonal rain forest (TRF) and a subtropical montane moist evergreen broad-leaved forest (STF), in Southwest China. We structured binary networks between epiphytic bryophytes and their hosts in these two forests, which presented 329 interactions in the TRF and 545 interactions in the STF. Compared to TRF, the bryophyte–host plant networks were more nested but less modular in the STF. However, both forests generally exhibited a significantly nested structure with low levels of specialization and modularity. The relatively high nestedness may stabilize the ecological networks between epiphytic bryophytes and their hosts. Nevertheless, the low modularity in epiphyte–host networks could be attributed to the lack of co-evolutionary processes, and the low degree of specialization suggests that epiphytes are less likely to colonize specific host species. Vertical distribution of the bryophyte species showed structured modules in the tree basal and crown zones, probably attributing to the adaptation to microclimates within a host individual. This study highlights the nested structure of commensal interaction between epiphytic bryophytes and host trees, and provides a scientific basis to identify key host tree species for conservation and management of biodiversity in forest ecosystems.

Altitudinal gradient drives regional and local diversity and composition patterns of epiphyllous bryophytes in ecological refuges.

'Brejos de altitude' is an ecosystem that has been subjected to severe exploitation, leading to an intense reduction in Brazil. Understanding the patterns of bryophyte diversity and composition, particularly of specialized species such as the epiphylls, to anthropic and abiotic variables is crucial for implementing protection measures. We investigated the relationship between composition and diversity of epiphyllous bryophytes and anthropic (edge effects) and abiotic (altitude) variables at local (within each 'Brejo') and regional (set of three 'Brejos') scale. Abiotic and anthropic variables were correlated with alpha and beta diversity (decomposed into species replacement and richness differences) using GLM. Their effects on species composition were evaluated using PERMANOVA. The localities at higher elevations harboured a richer bryoflora and overall beta diversity patterns were associated with altitude and locality, which acted over different scales. Regionally, the contribution of richness differences was limited with increasing altitude. Yet, dissimilarities among localities were associated with richness differences and replacement, denoting the importance of local factors. The composition was explained by local factors interacting with the regional altitudinal gradient. Anthropic activity was significant only when interacting with local factors and altitudinal gradient. Environmental filtering associated with altitude played a more important role in shaping the diversity and composition of epiphyllous bryophytes, at both regional and local scales. Each 'Brejo' acts as an ecological refuge, harbouring part of the whole environmental gradient, and presents a unique floristic composition. Moreover, partitioning beta diversity highlighted the interplay of local and regional forces shaping diversity patterns.

First Data on Bryoindication Mapping of Small Towns of Ukraine

Results of bryoindication mapping based on calculation of an index of atmospheric purity (IAP) of towns of the Left Bank Ukraine, i.e. the smallest Romny (Sumy oblast) and Myrhorod (Poltava oblast) towns, small Pryluky (Chernihiv oblast) and Lubny (Poltava oblast) towns as well as medium size Poltava town (Poltava oblast), are provided. It is found that isotoxic bryoindication zones of moderately polluted air are predominate and often forming entire areas in the centre / industrial / densely built-up areas of Poltava, Lubny and Pryluky towns while isotoxic zones with slightly polluted or unpolluted air are predominant or more widely distributed in smaller towns Romny and Myrhorod. Correlation of data on species diversity, community composition of bryophytes as well as data of the IAP zoning of the territory of all towns mentioned as well as natural conditions of their territory and anthropogenic pressure is discussed.

On the bryophyte diversity of black alder forests in the Republic of Bashkortostan (the Southern Urals region)

The bryophyte composition of monodominant black alder forests was studied in the Republic of Bashkortostan (the Southern Urals region). Fifty-six moss species and fifteen liverworts were recorded. The annotated species list with precise locations is provided. The bryophyte richness of studied communities is not very high because of waterlogging regime of habitats and rarity of these communities in the region. Forests occurring in habitats with short inundation time (mostly at small rivers and lake shores) are more than double rich in bryophytes, then communities located in river valleys with wide floodplain and in karst depressions, where staying water preserves for a long time during growing season. In investigated black alder forests, rare relict species (Helodium blandowii, Tomentypnum nitens, Riccardia latifrons, Pseudobryum cinclidioides) grow in small isolated populations at the southern limit of the species range. It is essential to improve the protection of these rare ecosystems in the future.

Bryophyte diversity and community composition in the gap and non-gap areas of Chakrata forest range, Uttarakhand, India

Bryophyte diversity and community composition in the gap and non-gap areas of Chakrata forest range, Uttarakhand, India

Investigation of the flora of epigean bryobionta of the Olexandria Dendrological Park

Species composition of epigeic bryophytes of the Olexandria Dendrological Park, located in the northeast of the Right-Bank forest-steppe of Ukraine, was studied. The research was conducted in 2017–2019. As a result, 40 species of 25 genera, 14 families, 7 orders, 2 classes, and 1 division were registered. A taxonomic analysis showed that the orders Hypnales (14 species), Pottiales (9 species) and Bryales (9 species) are represented best. The main families were as follows: Pottiaceae (9 species), Brachytheciaceae (7 species), Bryaceae (5 species), Amblystegiaceae and Mniaceae (4 species each). The most speciose were the genera Bryum (5 species), Brachythecium (4 species), Tortula (4 species) and Plagiomnium (3 species). Among the identified taxa, two species, (Barbula сonvoluta and Bryum rubens) are regionally rare in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. In the historical part of Olexandria, five species Ceratodon purpureus, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Hypnum cupressiforme, Atrichum undulatum, and Bryum moravicum were the most common epigean bryophytes. In the western part of the Dendropark, the prevalent species were Atrichum undulatum, Bryum moravicum, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Hypnum cupressiforme, Brachytheciastrum velutinum, and Hygroamblystegium varium, in the central part – Bryum moravicum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Ceratodon purpureus, and in the eastern part – Fissidens taxifolius, Fissidens viridulus, and Brachythecium rutabulum. Twenty species (50 % of the identified taxa) were obligate epigees while the other 20 species belonged to the facultative epigees. In 2018, a new species to the Dendropark’s bryoflora, Ephemerum minutissimum, was found in an oakery (locality 14). It grew there together with Dicranella heteromalla, Bryum rubens, Barbula convoluta, Ceratodon purpureus, Tortula acaulon, and Weissia brachycarpa. This is the second record of E. minutissimum from Ukraine. The highest number of epigeic moss species was registered in the central part of Olexandria (29 taxa). At present, the epigeic bryoflora of the Dendropark’s historical part comprises 44 % of its whole bryoflora (90 species).

Relevance of Broad-Leaved Forest Stands for Maintaining Epiphytic Bryophyte Species and Functional Trait Diversity in Forest Landscape in Latvia

AbstractBroad-leaved trees play an important role in supporting epiphyte richness in deciduous forests. In this study we tested which broad-leaved forest stands in terms of tree composition best predicted biodiversity in regard to bryophyte species number and their functional traits. The bryoflora was surveyed in 70 stands differing in dominant broad-leaved tree species. One circular plot with diameter 30 meters was established in each stand situated in different parts of Latvia. Fifty-three of the plots were located in stands identified as protected habitats of the European Union. In total, 82 bryophyte species were recorded. At plot level the total number of species ranged between 6 and 38 species. Using principal component analysis (PCA), the ordination axes explained 41% of the variation in composition of bryophytes. The PCA axes were related to tree species composition. The presence of broad-leaved trees, especially ash, lime, and oak, was connected with higher species richness. Generalised linear models confirmed that epiphyte richness, both at the total and indicator species levels, was higher in ash stands. From the functional traits, all expected life-strategy and life-form categories were recorded. The most represented life-forms were smooth mats, tall turfs, and rough mats, while the dominant life-strategy was perennial stayers, followed by competitive perennials and long-lived shuttles. Functional trait richness was highest in Fraxinus excelsior, Tilia cordata, and Quercus robur forest stands.