Abstract:

Background and Aims The species diversity of bryophytes in Qinling was rarely studied, especially at different vegetation types. The bryophytes on floor were investigation in Foping Nature Reserve which lies in at the south slope of Qinling. Answers to the following questions were sought. a) What is the composition of bryophytes on floor in Foping Nature Reserve? b) What were the dominant families of bryophytes at there? c) How is the species diversity of bryophytes in Foping Nature Reserve?

Methods A investigation of bryophytes on floor were done in Foping Nature Reserve. The 29 sites were chosen in representative place, and the plots were setted with systematic sampling. The species similarity coefficient, important value and species diversity indexes were examined at different vegetation types.

Key Results A total of 189 floor species belonging to 69 genera of 33 families were founded. Among these species, there are 15 hepatics belonging to 8 genera of 7 families and 174 mosses belonging to 61 genera of 26 families, and Brachytheciaceae is the most dominant family. The species diversity of floor bryophytes is the highest one in deciduous oak forest zone, and it reduced in deciduous birch forest zone, bamboo forest, coniferous forest, rocks in valley, and it is the lowest in Rhododendron shrubs. The similarities between deciduous oak forest zone and deciduous birch forest zone are highest, and the similarities between Rhododendron shrubs and other vegetation types are lowest.

Conclusions It is shown that deciduous oak forest zone is the center of bryophyte diversity and the key area for bryophyte diversity conservation. Rhododendron shrubs have different species from other areas, so it should be paid attention in Foping Nature Reserve at the southern Qinling Mountain.

Key words: Qinling, Foping, Bryophytes, Species diversity