Published May 11, 2026
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Bryophytes of Santa Maria Island (Azores, Portugal): an updated inventory
Authors/Creators
- 1. University of Azores, CE3C—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE —Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Rua Capitão João d'Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal
- 2. Associação "Os Montanheiros", Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
- 3. University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- 4. University of the Azores, Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal
Description
A bryophyte survey was conducted on Santa Maria Island in 2019, taking advantage of the MOVECLIM-AZO project expedition to the Island, while adding collections in different sites. The standard collection follows the Global Island Monitoring Scheme (GIMS) protocol for bryophytes across three altitudinal levels (16, 200 and 400 m a.s.l.) and substrates, while the other specimens were collected opportunistically to improve the known dataset of bryophyte occurrences in Santa Maria. Opportunistic sampling was carried out guided by taxonomic expertise, while visiting different locations between 31 and 464 m a.s.l. and exploring diverse substrates. The survey resulted in the collection of 85 species and 810 specimens (occurrence records), obtained from 264 events. This research presents a dataset that expands current knowledge about bryophyte diversity on Santa Maria Island and supports future studies.
A total of 85 species were recorded on Santa Maria Island, based on 264 event records and 810 occurrence records, including 25 species newly recorded for the Island. Of these, two taxa are Azorean endemics (Rhynchostegiella azorica Hedenäs & Vanderp. and Leptoscyphus porphyrius subsp. azoricus (H.Buch & Perss.) Vanderp. & Heinrichs), one species (Calypogeia azorica Bischl.) is recognised as a Macaronesian endemic, three species (Lejeunea hibernica Bischl., H.A.Mill. & Bonner ex Grolle, Radula aquilegia (Hook.f. & Taylor) Gottsche, Lindenb. & Nees and Radula holtii Spruce) are European endemics, 18 species are classified as native and one species (Campylopus introflexus (Hedw.) Brid.) is classified as introduced.
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