Rare Epiphytic Bryophyte Dicranum Viride (sull. & Lesq.) Lindb. (dicranaceae, Bryophyta) Spatial Patterns in Boreo-Nemoral Forest Landscape

Dicranum viride (Sull. & Lesq.) Lindb. is a rare epiphytic moss species that is also included in the European Union Habitats Directive. Despite the wide range of studies that are focused on boreo-nemoral forest epiphyte ecology, there is lack of knowledge about D. viride spatial distribution and dispersal in forests. Our study aimed to characterize spatial and dispersal patterns of D. viride in a boreo-nemoral forest landscape in Latvia. In the study area we recorded each tree with D. viride. Metapopulation spatial structure of D. viride was analyzed with spatial point pattern analysis and genetic structure was analyzed with molecular methods. As a result, we found that D. viride forms a mostly aggregated spatial structure that could be related to limited dispersal. Genetic data also supported the dispersal limitation of D. viride. We recommend conservation of continuous forest stands that could be suitable for the long-term distribution not only of D. viride, but also of other rare forest-dwelling species in boreo-nemoral forests.