Taxonomic analysis of bryofloristic complexes of Eastern Europe

Abstract

To assess the spatial distribution of bryophyte species in Eastern Europe, more than 53,000 localities of 1296 species were analyzed in 397 squares of 100×100 km. In terms of frequency of occurrence, rare species (from 6 to 25 squares) and very rare (from 1 to 5 squares) prevail in Eastern Europe. It was shown that more than 60 % of the taxonomic diversity of bryophytes is in a threatened or close to threatened state in the region. Based on biogeographic zoning, 6 regions (alpine, arctic, boreal, nemoral, arid, subtropical) and 12 subregions were identified. The characteristics of the taxonomic diversity of bryophyte regions and subregions are given, specific species are given and the centers of concentration of bryophyte species diversity in Eastern Europe are identified. There are 162 species in only one subregion, and 68 bryophyte taxa are found in all regions and subregions. The maximum species diversity is observed in the Alpine region (1066 species), which is explained by the general nature of the biological characteristics of bryophytes, the variety of ecological conditions in this region and the presence in Eastern Europe of 4 geographically different mountain subregions: the west of the Kola Peninsula, the Urals, the Carpathians and the foothills of the Caucasus.