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Surveying for cryptogams. |
Image: Jean Jarman |
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Project summary:
A preliminary study of cryptogams (bryophytes and lichens) was undertaken in Tasmania’s eucalypt forests. Nine forest communities were investigated, two of which were located in the Warra LTER site, one in oldgrowth and the other in 20-year-old regrowth. Over 500 species, comprising 304 lichens, 115 liverworts and 91 mosses were recorded and many more are likely to be found in eucalypt communities yet to be surveyed.
The species colonise a wide range of substrates, including living bark (as epiphytes), wood, charcoal, soil and rocks. The flora varies markedly between wet and dry forests in its composition, level of colonisation on different substrates and in cover and overall luxuriance. The comparison of logged and unlogged plots in wet and dry forests suggests that the effects of forest operations on the cryptogamic flora are still significant after 20 years. The logged plots, compared to the unlogged ones, contained a much higher number of species considered typical of disturbed habitats. See also the later project on non-vascular plants.
Methodology: Not available
Datasets: None available.
Publications: Jarman, S.J. & Kantvilas, G. (1997). Impacts of Forestry Operations on Cryptogams in Tasmania’s Eucalypt Forests. Stage 1: A Preliminary Assessment of Diversity. Forestry Tasmania, Hobart.
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