Abstract Detail

Bryological and Lichenological Section/ABLS

Salazar Allen, N [1], Flores, N [2], Dauphin, G [3], Gudiño L., J.A. [1], Rodríguez Quiel, E. [4], Sierra, A [2], Moya, M [5].

Bryophyte diversity along four transects at National Park G.D. Omar Torrijos H., El Copé, Panamá.

This project is part of a large government effort to establish a base line for information on the biodiversity of 5 protected areas along the Panamanian Biological Corridor of the Atlantic II, of the National Authority of the Environment of Panama.   Among the aims of this project is to do biological inventories, establish monitoring plots based on standard methodologies, generate systematized information on the biodiversity of Panama and its state of conservation and generate educational and scientific products. The National Park, El Copé created in 2006, is located at the Continental divide of the Central Cordillera of Panama in the Province of Coclé, ca. 197 km NW of the capital city.  According to Holdridge life zones the vegetation type is of a very humid premontane forest.  The study site has a secondary forest.  The site was a saw mill until about 27 years ago.  Four transects (50 m x 2 m) were established in the site along two Nature Trails at 690-730 m a.s.l., in July and August, 2012.  Transect 1 was in Nature Trail Rana Dorada and Transects 2-4 in Trail Cuerpo de Paz.   Bryophytes were collected in all available substrates in the understory and from fallen branches.  Over 1000 collections were gathered, about 57% are identified to species,  40% to genus and the rest are undetermined.  A total of 138 species [57 mosses, 80 liverworts (74 foliose and 6 thallose)] and one hornwort are reported.  About 18 species of liverworts are new to Panama and 6 also for Central America.  The most speciose family of liverworts is the Lejeuneaceae (25), and among the mosses the Pilotrichaceae(8) and the Neckeraceae (4).  Transects 2, 3 and 4 have closer affinities in their brioflora. The bryophyte flora is characteristic of lower premontane forests including elements from lowland and mid-elevation.  Moss species from El Copé have a geographical distribution mainly in the Caribbean Basin while for liverworts the distribution is restricted to Central America and Northern South America.

1 - Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apdo. 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancón, Panamá
2 - University of Panama, Department of Botany, Panama
3 - Apdo. 5-1500, Acosta, Costa Rica
4 - Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí, David, Chiriquí, Panama
5 - Corredor Biológico Mesoamericano del Atlántico Panameño, Apdo. 0843-00793, Panamá

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 23
Location: River Fork/Grove
Date: Tuesday, July 29th, 2014
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: 23009
Abstract ID:1137
Candidate for Awards:None