New Study Highlights the Rich Diversity of Bryophytes in the Azores’ Native Vegetation
- September 8th, 2024
- Biodiversity
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A comprehensive study on the biodiversity of bryophytes along the elevational gradients of Terceira Island, Azores, has revealed an astonishing diversity of these small but ecologically significant plants within preserved native vegetation areas. Using the MOVECLIM framework, researchers inventoried the bryophyte communities from lowland to mountain top, providing critical insights into their diversity and distribution patterns.
Conducted from September 25 to 28, 2012, the study surveyed bryophytes along an elevational gradient starting near Serreta lighthouse (40 m above sea level) and reaching the summit of Santa Bárbara Mountain (1,000 m above sea level). The research team systematically sampled six sites at 200-meter elevation intervals, establishing multiple plots and quadrats to assess bryophyte presence across various substrates, including rocks, soil, tree bark, leaves, and organic matter.
Key Findings:
Nearly three-quarters of the maximum expected number of microplots (636 out of 864) were found across the six sites, resulting in a total of 3,677 bryophyte records.
The majority of specimens (99.6%) were identified to species level, encompassing 38 families, 60 genera, and 92 species, including 58 liverworts and 34 mosses.
The inventory included several endemic species: two liverwort species endemic to the Azores, five species endemic to Macaronesia, and 11 European endemic species.
The highest levels of species richness, endemic species, and conservation concern species were found at elevations between 600 and 1,000 m, corresponding to the best-preserved forest vegetation.
The study highlights that both tree-dwelling and ground-dwelling substrates host similar levels of bryophyte occupation (75% and 72%, respectively), although certain substrates, like humus and tree bark at lower heights, showed significantly higher bryophyte presence compared to leaves and rocks.
Dr. Rosalina Gabriel, the lead researcher, emphasized the importance of bryophytes in maintaining ecosystem health: "Bryophytes play a critical role in water retention, nutrient cycling, and providing habitat for microfauna. Our research expands the knowledge of their diversity and distribution in the Azores, underscoring the need for their conservation."
This study is a significant step towards understanding the complex ecology of island environments and how bryophytes contribute to the resilience and sustainability of these unique ecosystems. It also provides vital data for future conservation efforts, particularly for species at higher elevations and those of endemic and conservation concern.
The findings contribute to a growing body of research that underscores the importance of bryophytes in global biodiversity studies and climate change resilience, providing a crucial foundation for future ecological research and conservation strategies in the Azores and beyond.
Refeence: Gabriel, R., Morgado, L., Henriques, D., Coelho, M.C.M., Hernández-Hernández, R. & Borges, P.A.V. (2024). The MOVECLIM – AZORES project: Bryophytes from Terceira Island along an elevation gradient. Biodiversity Data Journal, 12: e131935. DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e131935 (IF2022: 1,3; Q3 Biodiversity Conservation)
For more information about the study or to arrange an interview with the research team, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Rosalina Gabriel
Island Biodiversity, Biogeography & Conservation (IBBC)
University of Azores
Email: rosalina.ma.gabriel@uac.pt