Investigation of the bryophyte flora of strict forest reserves (Naturwaldzellen) in Saxony - Part 2: Rungstock

The results of the first systematic bryophyte species survey in the strict forest reserve Naturwaldzelle Rungstock (Ore Mountains, Saxony federal state, Germany) are presented. In addition to the unmanaged strict forest reserve with a size of 38.0 ha, the monitoring also includes a neighbouring managed reference site (135.1 ha). A total of 119 species were found in the strict forest reserve, 164 in the reference site and 186 in the entire area. This species diversity is due to the heterogeneity of the area with occurrences of different types of forest communities, rock outcrops, boulders, springs, forest brooks and, last but not least, various sites strongly influenced by man (forest paths, slopes). Although the bryophyte layer on the forest floor in the beech stands was only sparsely developed compared to the spruce stands, a significantly higher overall diversity of bryophytes was determined for the beech stands. This is due to the high number of epiphytic species on beech and in particular to the high proportion of obligate epiphytes. The occurrence of several species, which have only been known from Saxony for a few years (Cryphaea heteromalla, Metzgeria violacea, Ulota drummondii) or until recently were considered extinct (Antitrichia curtipendula), illustrate the current high dynamics in the species group of epiphytes. The comparison between strict forest reserve and managed reference sites revealed differences in the species composition of the bryophyte layer in beech and spruce stands only two decades after the end of forest management.