SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DIVERSITY OF BRYOPHYTES ALONG THE ELEVATION GRADIENT IN PALPA DISTRICT, WEST NEPAL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3126/jist.v31i1.82664Keywords:
Bryophyte, Elevation gradient, Environmental variable, Species richness, SoilAbstract
Bryophytes are a distinct group of land plants that hold significant ecological and economic value. They form the second most diverse plant group, after angiosperms, yet remain the least explored and recorded. Previous studies have suggested exploring additional areas in Nepal to complete the documentation of the bryoflora. This study aims to document the species composition and diversity of bryophytes, along with environmental variables and soil macronutrients, in the tropical and subtropical bioclimatic zone of western Nepal. The bryophytes were studied quantitatively in 125 1 x 1 m quadrats across five elevation bands (300 to 1500 m asl.) at intervals of ca. 300 m, with five replicates in each band. Within each plot, a range of environmental factors (elevation, bareground, rock and canopy cover, coverage of herbs and bryophytes) were measured along with soil macronutrients (organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Altogether, 39 bryophyte species were recorded, with mosses being the most prevalent group. Regression results indicated that bryophyte species richness increases with elevation but decreases as canopy cover and bareground expand. Despite appropriate climatic conditions, the instability of the topography due to frequent landslides minimize the occurrence of bryophytes in the present area.
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