Bryophytes in urban and peri-urban areas : inventory and role in maintaining the biodiversity of ecosystems

Abstract

Due to the lack of knowledge about bryophytes in Algeria, this study was carried out to update the bryophyte flora of the region, highlight the influence of environmental factors on their distribution,and explore their role in maintaining the biodiversity of ecosystems. In this context, two areas of the High Plains of Setif with distinct environmental characteristics were selected for the study: the peri-urban area, Megriss Mountain and the urban area,Setif 1 University- Ferhat ABBAS.Bryophytes sampling was conducted across various habitats, including rocks, trees, soils, and streams. Ground and rock bryophytes were sampled from minimum survey areas of 100 cm² (10×10 cm), while epiphytic bryophytes were sampled from the trunk base up to nearly 2 meters above the ground, in all cardinal directions. The samples of bryophytes were examined macroscopically and microscopically in the laboratory of the Urban Project, City and Territory (LPUViT). A total of 89 moss taxa were identified from the two study areas, with 63 taxa recorded in Megriss Mountain and 26 species recorded at Setif 1 University - Ferhat ABBAS. Some species were found in both areas, while neither area included liverworts or hornworts. The 63 moss taxa recorded in Megriss Mountain include 52 acrocarpous and 11 pleurocarpous mosses, distributed among 14 families and 30 genera. In contrast, all the 26 moss species identified at the University were acrocarpous, belonging to 7 families and 18 genera. For Megriss, the most species-rich families are the Pottiaceae,Orthotrichaceae, Brachytheciaceae, and Bryaceae, while the most diverse genera are Didymodon, Syntrichia, Lewinskya, and Orthotrichum. On the other hand, the prominent families at the University are the Pottiaceae and Bryaceae, and the most diverse genera are Bryum and Tortula. In terms of habitats, terrestrial mosses are the most dominant, followed by epilithic mosses in both study areas. The study also highlights the presence of four new species for Algeria: Didymodon sinuosus, Orthotrichum macrocephalum, Orthotrichum scanicum, and Syntrichia calcicola. A comprehensive description and microphotographs of these species are provided, and their ecology is also discussed.