Contributions to the bryoflora of the Nizina Północnopodlaska lowland (NE Poland)

Abstract

This study presents new data on the occurrence of protected, endangered and locally rare bryophyte species in the Nizina Północnopodlaska lowland (northeastern Poland). This area includes some of the most valuable natural complexes in Poland, such as the Białowieża Forest, the Knyszyn Forest, and the Kotlina Biebrzańska basin. Between 2009 and 2026, 481 bryophyte localities were recorded, comprising 82 moss and 18 liverwort species.

In total, 39 taxa are legally protected in Poland, including 17 under strict protection, and nine moss species are nationally threatened, among them the critically endangered Antitrichia curtipendula , Paludella squarrosa and Pseudocalliergon trifarium . Buxbaumia viridis , Dicranum viride , and Hamatocaulis vernicosus are also listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. Eight species are reported from the region for the first time: Bryum rubens , B. violaceum , Campylopus introflexus , C. pyriformis , Frullania tamarisci , Philonotis caespitosa , Rhynchostegium murale and Ulota intermedia .

Most of the protected and threatened taxa are associated with peatlands and near-natural forest complexes. Their conservation requires the maintenance of a stable forest microclimate and, in open wetlands, active management aimed at preventing succession. The results indicate that knowledge of the regional bryoflora remains incomplete and emphasize the need for further studies, particularly in the western and urbanized parts of the lowland.

Keywords: Białowieża Forest, bryophytes, chorology, Natura 2000, Nizina Północnopodlaskalowland, protected species