New bryophyte records for Kosovo from Sharri National Park

Abstract

The bryoflora of Kosovo is poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to increase that knowledge by investigating Sharri National Park for its moss flora. Several field trips were carried out in 2014, 2015 and 2018. About 1900 specimens were collected in various locations of the Park (e.g. Brezovicë, Prevallë, Prroi i Duhlës, Ostrovicë, Restelicë, Mushtishtë, Pashallarë, Burimi i Lumbardhit etc.). Thus far, most of the specimens are identified and represent 159 moss taxa. Seventy-three taxa are new records for Sharri National Park, in which a total of 255 moss taxa have now been reecorded. Furthermore, 19 species are new records for Kosovo, which is now known to have a total of 346 moss taxa. The new records are for Amphidium lapponicum, Blindiadelphus recurvatus, Brachythecium geheebii, Dicranella schreberiana, Didymodon rigidulus, Grimmia dissimulata, G. muehlenbeckii, G. trichophylla, Kiaeria starkei, Paraleucobryum longifolium, Pohlia melanodon, Ptychostomum elegans, Racomitrium affine, R. lanuginosum, R. macounii subsp. alpinum, Rhynchostegium murale, Schistidium dupretii, Thamnobryum alopecurum and Weissia brachycarpa. There is only one species, Brachythecium geheebii, which is a red list species at the European level. In addition, several species, e.g. Grimmia caespiticia, G. reflexidens, Meesia uliginosa, Schistidium papillosum etc. have conservation value in the context of the Balkans. All this shows for the enormous biodiversity values of Sharri National Park and the need for nature conservation through the institution.