Advancing bryophyte research and conservation, a case study on Madagascar.

Abstract

Background: Bryophytes are a group of plant that are ecologically important, diverse and include many undescribed species. Setting like Madagascar is well known for its charismatic species, less conspicuous groups, such as bryophytes, are virtually unknown to the public and the scientific community. Bryophyte diversity is a highly overlooked component of Madagascar's rich biodiversity, underlined by geographical sampling biases, sparse representation, and an evident research and conservation deficit as compared to more charismatic groups. With a significant bryophytes research gap and conservation, Madagascar can serve as model for addressing knowledge gaps and talking the global issue of bryophytes blindness. Here we first summarise historical research and current knowledge on the diversity and distribution of Malagasy bryophytes; address the issue of 'bryophyte blindness'; and propose future directions.

Scope: We give reason to think that to advance research and ensure the effective conservation of the bryophytes, it is crucial to build robust foundations for their study and appreciation. Investments on herbarium collections paired with leveraging technology and resources for identification, including an image bank and DNA barcodes, will facilitate taxonomic revisions, evolutionary biology and ecological research. Addressing geographical imbalances and fostering comprehensive research to elevate the scientific and public appreciation of bryophytes are key to advancing the integration of bryophytes into national, regional and global conservation initiatives. Key prospects also include research on ecosystems with high and/or endemic bryophyte diversity, facilitating the integration of bryophytes into conservation programs. Training the new generation of students and professionals on bryophytes is an imperative underlying all these initiatives. This is highly important to foster more equitable research and conservation in countries like Madagascar and help tackle bryophyte blindness in science and society, alongside with an urgently needed financial support for professional training to advance bryophytes research.

Conclusions: Overall, bryophytes need urgent research and conservation investments. Researchers, organisations, governments, and universities should collaborate to raise scientific and public awareness of their importance. Addressing key questions about bryophyte diversity, threats, and conservation requires a holistic, collaborative, and inclusive approach to bryophyte research.