Biomonitoring with bryophytes in managed forested areas. Three examples from the southern Italian Apennines

Abstract

Three sites in the southern Italian Apennines were selected to assess correlation between forest structure and bryophyte flora. In two of the sites, the Index of Air Purity (IAP)–based on cover data of epiphytic bryophytes–was evaluated. The results show that bryophyte populations–and consequently IAP–are affected by forest structure and development, and that studies including different sites require a precise assessment of silvicultural characteristics to allow comparisons. Indicator values of mosses and liverworts were also taken into consideration in characterizing ecologically the three sites.