A contribution to the knowledge of epiphyllous bryophytes in Tianmushan National Nature Reserve (Zhejiang, China), with remarks on climate warming and nature conservation

Abstract

Five epiphyllous liverwort species, all members of the family Lejeuneaceae, are newly reported from Tianmushan National Nature Reserve, Zhejiang Province, China. The locality constitutes the northernmost occurrence of epiphyllous bryophytes in eastern China. It is proposed that the establishment of the epiphyllous species in the reserve was the result of a recent dispersal event influenced by climate warming. The site where the species occur is increasingly impacted by ecotourism and forest ecology teaching. Limitation of teaching at the site, reduction of the number of trails and stricter conservation is recommended in order to protect the fragile local epiphyllous community.