A contribution to the bryoflora of Moricsala Island Nature Reserve, Latvia

Abstract

Changes in the bryophyte flora in the Moricsala Island Nature Reserve over a 80-year period were determined using historical records and recent data. Detailed studies of the bryoflora on Moricsala were published in 1931 and 1979. A recent study was carried out starting in 2006, in which bryophytes were recorded separately on different substrates. In total, 182 taxa have been found in the study area, including 25 rare and WKH indicator species. The highest species richness occurs on the forest floor. Since 1931, much of the previous meadow habitat has overgrown to forest. Forests have become more shaded and substrate diversity has likely increased, leading to an increased number of epiphytic and epixylic species. Nine meadow species have become extinct in the study area.