Small-scale pattern of bryoflora in Mediterranean temporary ponds: hints for monitoring

Abstract

In the Mediterranean region temporary ponds are classified among the most biologically and biogeographically interesting ecosystems. Despite their important ecological functions in those fragile environments, bryophytes are neglected or undervalued in most monitoring and conservation actions. We studied the composition and the small-scale spatial zonation of bryophytes within Mediterranean temporary ponds, to identify indicator species useful to characterize the spatio-temporal variability observed, and suggest elements to carry out simple monitoring based on dominant life form and strategy. Bryophytes are distributed in concentric belts (outer, central, inner) according to their tolerance to floods: we observed a gradient from the outer belt, mainly composed by colonist and perennial such as Pottiaceae and Brachytheciaceae, to the more humid inner one where annual shuttle such as Ricciaceae dominate. We found significant species associated with belts, such as Tortella squarrosa in the outer belt, Fossombronia caespitiformis in the central belt and Riccia canaliculata in the inner belt. Bryophytes can be used as bioindicators of the state of conservation of Mediterranean temporary ponds: the presence of indicator species and the distribution of dominant life form/strategies in the different belts allow to monitor over time the changes in the flood leve

Characteristics, Main Impacts, and Stewardship of Natural and Artificial Freshwater Environments: Consequences for Biodiversity Conservation

“…Actually, in addition to iconic and exclusive organisms (e.g., large branchiopods ( Figure 2AA), several diaptomid copepods, insects), they host a large number of endemic species [494] along with species also found in permanent ponds [502,503]. Their flora is also very diverse with regard to vascular plants, ferns [504,505], and bryophytes [506]. Species richness is also very high with regard to planktonic and metaphytic algae, with more than 450 species identified in just two temporary ponds in Sicily [507].…”

Species composition and diversity of ground bryophytes across a forest edge-to-interior gradient

“…A comprehensive knowledge of the diversity and its spatial patterns at various levels of biological groups is crucial for both regional and local biodiversity conservation planning, and will provide insights into further exploration of the relationships between organisms and their environments. Currently, many bryophyte studies are focused on the botanical and floristic aspects, particularly for the compilation of floristic inventory and plant checklists 15 , 16 . A few studies have revealed the effect of various disturbance regimes on bryophyte diversity 11 , 17 ; other investigations have analyzed the response of bryophytes to precipitation, acid deposition, and topographic factors 9 , 18 , 19 .…”

Where we Come from and where to Go: Six Decades of Botanical Studies in the Mediterranean Wetlands, with Sardinia (Italy) as a Case Study

“…< 1 ha) in the agro-pastoral context, and only three are recognised as natural lakes: Lago di Baratz in the northern-western part of the island, and Piscina Morta (Arisci et al 2003) and Stagnu 'e Forru in the southwest (Ginesu 2012). Last but not least, the numerous temporary small ponds were highlighted as the most interesting, though insufficiently investigated, inland wetland type (Bagella et al 2009;Cogoni et al 2016). Despite the efforts already made regarding wetland conservation in Sardinia, recent studies on wetland plants evidenced the need for an improvement of legal protection (EEA 2015; Becker 2019) - Bagella et al (2013) and Fois et al (2018) highlighted the necessity of protection measures as, for instance, several wetland plants are still not included in the Natura 2000 network.…”

“…Knowledge of bryophyte and algae species' diversity and distribution is still far lower than that of vascular plants, and the less common studies are mainly concentrated on small or specific areas. According to the checklists of Sardinian (Cogoni et al 1999(Cogoni et al , 2016 and Italian bryophytes (Aleffi et al 2020), Sardinia's bryological patrimony is made up of 498 taxa (399 Bryophyta, 94 Marchantiophyta, and four Anthocerotophyta), around 30% of which inhabit temporary ponds, where both terrestrial and aquatic habitats are presenta transitional characteristic that explains their high biodiversity (Cogoni et al 2016;Filippino 2018). Even less is known about the algae flora of Sardinian wetlands.…”