Distribution of endangered bryophytes in Austrian agricultural landscapes Original Research Article

In Austrian agricultural landscapes, 1936 sampling plots within 72 study sites selected by a random procedure were investigated with regard to their bryophyte vegetation. Out of a total of 506 species, 135 endangered species were recorded. Thirty-eight percent of all populations of endangered species showed sporophytes and 15% produced vegetative reproduction units. There is a significantly higher number of endangered species growing in upland landscapes dominated by moderately intensive cattle farming than in lowland landscapes with a wide range of mainly intensive farming styles. The percentage of species that are endangered is higher in intensively than in moderately used areas. The sampling plots differed strongly in respect to their number of endangered species. Very important habitats for endangered bryophytes are less intensively used vineyards, moderately and less intensively used meadows (including fens), field margins and fallow lands. There is a significant negative correlation between land-use intensity as defined by the hemerobic state and the number of endangered species. The distribution of endangered species according to land-use and habitat quality is discussed.