New study substantiates the change of bryophyte flora in Northwest Germany

A long-term comparison, including 10 stands of deciduous forests in the Weser-Leine uplands (Lower Saxony, Germany) has shown the decline in species richness and species composition of forest bryophytes. Accurate species records by experienced bryologists around 1900 served as a reference for the recent re-investigation.

Due to air pollution and substrate acidification, acidification-tolerant species have strongly increased since 1900, while species of sub-neutral to basic sites have declined. Strongly decreased or extinct species are often bound to nutrient-poor or cool and moist habitats. In nutrient-demanding species, a stabilization or even increase was observed. Therefore, climate change and eutrophication are also indicated by the bryophyte flora.

The flatleaved liverwort Radula complanata already tended to decline in the late 19th century due to air pollution. Recently, it is recovering, preferring the bark of ash and maple. 100 years before, it was also frequently found on many other tree species.

The Publication:

Dittrich, S., Leuschner, C. & Hauck, M. 2016. Change in the bryophyte diversity and species composition of Central European temperate broad-leaved forests since the late nineteenth century. – Biodiversity and  Conservation (2016). doi:10.1007/s10531-016-1179-6