Habitat preference and diversity of bryophyte in the Jiulongshan National Forest Park, Eastern China

Abstract

In densely populated, highly urbanized regions such as Zhejiang Province (eastern China), species are under enormous environmental pressures resulting from human activities, land use changes, and habitat fragmentation, which affect species composition and species diversity. Although eastern China is one of the most concentrated distribution areas of endemic bryophytes in East Asia, these species are also faced with the threats of habitat inadequacy. In order to get more information on bryophyte habitat and diversity, we investigated species composition, habitat preference, as well as species diversity differences of bryophytes under different habitat conditions in Jiulongshan National Forest Park (JNFP). In particular, the results showed that 108 specimens of bryophyte were collected in total, including 46 species in 32 genera of 21 families. Furthermore, we had found 12 species of bryophytes that had never been recorded before in Zhejiang Province. Remarkably, 40.74% of bryophytes were found to grow on natural rocks, followed by understories and roadside habitats. In addition, the Patrick richness index (R) varied most significantly among different habitats (p < 0.001). In a conservation perspective, natural rocks, roadways and understories should be preserved to protect bryophyte diversity.