Baisheva, E.Z., A. Mežaka, P.S. Shirokikh
& V.B. Martynenko. Ecology and distribution of Dicranum
viride (Sull. & Lesq.) Lindb. (Bryophyta) in the Southern Ural Mts.
Arctoa (2013) 22: 41-50
Distribution and ecology of a rare red-listed bryophyte Dicranum
viride were studied in nemoral and dark coniferous-nemoral forests of the
western part of the Southern Urals. In total, data from 63 sample plots (20´20 m) which were
made in forests with different age structures were analyzed. Populations of Dicranum
viride in the Southern Urals showed high vitality and were abundant on
suitable substrates and habitats. The distribution of Dicranum viride
was related to forest type, environmental factors and history of land
management. Ecological scaling showed that Dicranum viride in the
Southern Urals had a narrow ecological amplitude, especially in relation to the
factor of continentality. Characteristic features for South Ural regions with Dicranum
viride are diverse topography and mountain river valleys which represent
refugia of a nemoral flora. This likely explains the occurrence of relict
nemoral species (Dicranum viride, Eurhynchium angustirete, Brachythecium
geheebii, Frullania bolanderi, Anomodon spp., Metzgeria furcata,
Lejeunea cavifolia) with limited dispersal ability and sporadic
distribution in the European part of Russia. Besides, good preservation of Dicranum
viride populations in the Southern Urals is due to historical factors
related to specific forest management practices in this region during the 18th-20th
centuries.