Determinants of stream bryophyte community structure: bringing ecology into conservation

摘要: Summary Bryophytes play an important role in headwater stream ecosystems sensitive to human pressures. The high number of bryophyte species listed as threatened Europe suggests that further efforts conserve fluvial diversity are needed. Investigations the spatial ecology should help identifying priority areas for conservation bryophytes and their habitats. Seasonal temperate streams were sampled at southern edge distribution Portugal, within outside protected areas, two scales: segments microhabitats. environmental variables best explaining richness patterns, well species, identified by partial least square regression. selection sites was achieved through development a new Index Fluvial Bryological Hydrogeomorphological Signature (IFBHS). At segment scale, community structure highly influenced hydrogeomorphological variables, particular hydrological features. At microhabitat current velocity constrained diversity. prioritised application IFBHS exhibited exceptional bryological richness, levels endemism red-listed unique microhabitats. Hydrological regime major driver seasonal Europe, this is concern given projected scenarios climate change human-induced flow alterations. Prioritised habitat not only located reinforcing need enhance effectiveness Natura 2000 Network national protection areas.