North Karelian Biosphere
Reserve and adjacent areas of Finland were studied in 1996 – 2001 for
bryophytes in 21 fragmented old-growth spruce forest stands. In total 194 bryophyte
species (119 mosses and 75 liverworts) were recorded, including nine of Red
List of Finland (Anastrophyllum hellerianum, Calypogeia suecica, Cephalozia
macounii, Harpanthus scutatus, Herzogiella turfacea, Lophozia
ascendens, Polytrichastrum pallidisetum, Riccardia multifida, R. palmata).
The bryophyte flora is analysed with respect to species composition and
distribution within the area, ecological groups and frequency of species. The
groups of mosses and liverworts common for the North Karelian Biosphere Reserve
and adjacent areas and conservation issues are considered. The main
characteristics of the floras of studied spruce stands are connected with the
amount of rotting wood, shaded rocky outcrops and presence of constant moisture
and admixture of deciduous trees. Distinctive features of the flora are defined
in comparison with the Central Norway spruce stands.