Bryophyte and macrolichen diversity show contrasting elevation relationships and are negatively affected by disturbances in laurel forests of Madeira island. (30th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boch, Steffen; Martins, Anabela; Ruas, Sara; Fontinha, Susana; Carvalho, Palmira; Reis, Fábio; Bergamini, Ariel; Sim‐Sim, Manuela
• Editors: Bruun, Hans Henrik
• Is Part Of: Journal of vegetation science. Volume 30:Number 6(2019:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1122
• Page End: 1133
• Publication Date: 2019-09-30
• Subjects: bryophyte life strategy -- climate change -- elevational gradient -- endemic species -- functional‐taxonomic group -- lichen growth form -- liverwort -- moss -- photobiont; Plant ecology -- Periodicals; Plant communities -- Periodicals; Plant populations -- Periodicals; 581.7
• DOI: 10.1111/jvs.12802
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1100-9233

Abstract

Abstract : We investigated bryophytes and macrolichens along an elevational gradient in the unique laurel forest of Madeira island. Our findings highlight the laurel forest as bryophyte and lichen diversity hotspot. Overall diversity and the diversity of specialized and endemic species are particularly threatened by disturbances and changing environmental conditions, e.g., climate change. Abstract: Questions: Studies on bryophyte and lichen diversity patterns along elevational gradients are scarce, although this approach can serve as space‐for‐time substitution to predict diversity changes because of climate warming. Therefore, we investigated bryophytes and macrolichens in disturbed and undisturbed stands along an elevational gradient in the unique laurel forest of Madeira island by addressing the following questions: (a) how does the species richness of functional‐taxonomic bryophyte and macrolichen groups differ with elevation; (b) how is the species richness of these groups affected by disturbances? Location: UNESCO World Natural Heritage site laurel forest of Madeira island (Madeira, Portugal). Methods: We analyzed species richness of bryophytes and macrolichens in 92 plots in response to elevation and to disturbances. Results: Bryophyte species richness showed a mid‐elevational peak, while macrolichen richness increased with elevation. Disturbed plots harbored on average 20% less bryophyte and macrolichen species than undisturbed plots. Conclusions: The laurel forest of Madeira island is a bryophyte and lichen diversity hotspot. Our findings indicate future biodiversity threats by changing environmental conditions. This calls for the need for a strict protection status of the laurel forest on Madeira island to minimize human‐related disturbances, for the development of management measures that could mitigate climate change effects by maximizing habitat suitability and for the implementation of species conservation programs to prevent future extinctions, in particular of endemic species.