Sofronova, E.V. Liverworts of stone birch forests of Yakutia
Arctoa (2015) 24: 556-566
doi: 10.15298/arctoa.24.48
Deciduous forests occupy only 1-2% of forested area of
Yakutia and do not play a significant role in the forest cover of the republic.
However, the species composition of these communities is quite diverse and
peculiar. Data on liverwort species composition of birch forests (Betula
lanata (=B. ermanii var. lanata) in South Yakutia are given
for the first time. In total, 37 species and two varieties of 26 genera of
liverworts were recorded there. Two species, Bazzania tricrenata and
Diplophyllum obtusatum, were found in Yakutia only in this type of forest. Although
stone birch forests occupy small areas in the territory of the republic, rare
species Anastrophyllum michauxii, Frullania koponenii, Orthocaulis
attenuatus, Tritomaria exsecta are found there. Stone birch forests play a
significant role in liverworts diversity conservation. A comparison of
stone-birch forests in different parts of Yakutia is given, along with the
similar comparison for spruce and larch forests, showing more stable hepatic
diversity in stone-birch forest in areas with contrasting climate in comparison
with other types of forests.