Bryophytes of Quindío: community composition, diversity, and structure across altitudinal gradients and heterogeneous habitats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/63epsd71Keywords:
Andean bryoflora, inventory, elevational gradient, substrates, ColombiaAbstract
Introduction: Bryophyte diversity in the Northern Andes is high compared with the Central Andes and other tropical regions, yet regional documentation remains uneven; therefore, department-level inventories are essential for biogeography and conservation. Objectives: To update the bryophyte inventory of the Quindío Department (Central Andes of Colombia) and describe species richness, taxonomic composition, substrate preferences, and altitudinal distribution. Methods: We integrated published and herbarium records with field surveys across six municipalities and nine localities. Sampling encompassed four elevational belts (premontane 970–1 600, montane 1 600–2 400, upper Andean 2 400–3 200, and paramo 3 200–4 200 m.a.s.l.) and five substrates (epiphytic, terricolous, lignicolous, rupicolous, and epiphyllous). Microclimatic variables were recorded in situ during sampling using a thermo-hygrometer (air temperature and relative humidity) and a lux meter (illuminance). Taxonomy and nomenclature were standardized using specialized literature and international databases. Results: We recorded 474 species (82 families, 198 genera): 276 liverworts, 195 mosses, and three hornworts, plus eight subspecies and 15 varieties. Richness was highest on epiphytic substrates (303 spp.), followed by terricolous (242), lignicolous (225), rupicolous (113), and epiphyllous (50) substrates. Lejeuneaceae was the most diverse family (76 spp.); among mosses, Fissidentaceae (17 spp.) and the genera Fissidens (13 spp.) and Campylopus (10 spp.) were prominent. Richness was concentrated in montane and upper Andean forests, with pronounced turnover among substrates and elevational belts. Conclusions: The bryophyte inventory of Quindío was updated to 474 species (82 families, 198 genera). Community composition showed high turnover, driven primarily by microhabitat/substrate filters (with peak richness in epiphytes) and, at the regional scale, by the elevational gradient, providing a baseline to guide monitoring and targeted sampling in underrepresented units.
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