Ecology and distribution of Dicranum viride (Sull. Lesq.) Lindb. (Bryophyta) in the Southern Ural Mts.

Abstract

Distribution and ecology of a rare red-listed bryophyte Dicranum viride were studied in nemoral and dark coniferous-nemoral forests of the western part of the Southern Urals. In total, data from 63 sample plots (20×20 m) which were made in forests with different age structures were analyzed. Populations of Dicranum viride in the Southern Urals showed high vitality and were abundant on suitable substrates and habitats. The distribution of Dicranum viride was related to forest type, envi- ronmental factors and history of land management. Ecological scaling showed that Dicranum viride in the Southern Urals had a narrow ecological amplitude, especially in relation to the factor of continentality. Characteristic features for South Ural regions with Dicranum viride are diverse topography and mountain river valleys which represent refugia of a nemoral flora. This likely explains the occurrence of relict nemoral species (Dicranum viride, Eurhynchium angustirete, Brachythecium geheebii, Frullania bolanderi, Anomodon spp., Metzgeria furcata, Lejeunea cavifolia) with limited dispersal ability and sporadic distribution in the European part of Russia. Besides, good preservation of Dicranum viride populations in the Southern Urals is due to historical factors related to specific forest management practices in this region during the 18th -20th centuries.