Occurrence of Sanionia uncinata sporophytes on King George island, Antarctica: Exploring possible links to climate change

This research note presents a report documenting a rare phenomenon observed in Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske, entailing the presence of sporophytes across eight distinct locations on King George Island, Antarctica. Additionally, it briefly explores the potential correlation between regional warming air temperatures, water availability, and the emergence of these structures, suggesting their utility as indicators of climate change. Given that S. uncinata is recognized as a hygrophilic moss species typically found in well-hydrated environments, our hypothesis posits that the unprecedented development of substantial sporophyte numbers might be a consequence of rapid regional warming in the vicinity of the Antarctic Peninsula. Further investigations are essential to elucidate the potential interplay between shifting climate patterns and the observed proliferation of Sanionia uncinata sporophytes, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their ecological responses to environmental fluctuations.