The MOVECLIM – AZORES project: Bryophytes from Terceira Island (2012)

Rosalina Gabriel; Leila Nunes Morgado; Débora S. G. Henriques; Márcia C. M. Coelho; Raquel Hernández-Hernández; Fernando Pereira; Paulo A. V. Borges

doi:10.15468/ud4xhq

The MOVECLIM – AZORES project: Bryophytes from Terceira Island (2012)

Citation

Gabriel R, Morgado L N, Henriques D S G, Coelho M C M, Hernández-Hernández R, Pereira F, Borges P A V (2024). The MOVECLIM – AZORES project: Bryophytes from Terceira Island (2012). Version 1.4. Universidade dos Açores. Sampling event dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/ud4xhq accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-12-14.

Description

From 25 to 28 September 2012, an inventory of the bryoflora was carried out on Terceira Island (Azores) along an elevational transect, starting at the Serreta (38.76658 Latitude; -27.37539 Longitude; 40 m a.s.l), and culminating on Santa Bárbara (38.73064 Latitude; -27.32164 Longitude; 1000 m a.s.l). The primary objective was to systematically inventory the bryophytes inhabiting the preserved areas of native vegetation environments. Six sites were selected, each spaced at 200 m elevation intervals. Within each site, two 10 m x 10 m plots were established in close proximity (10-15 m). Within these plots, three 2 m x 2 m quadrats were randomly selected and sampled for bryophytes using microplots measuring 10 cm x 5 cm, which were then collected into paper bags. Six substrates were surveyed in each quadrat (rock, soil, humus, organic matter, tree bark, and leaves/fronds). Three replicates were obtained from all substrates available and colonised by bryophytes, resulting in a total of 636 records (eventID) of a maximum of 824 (3 replicates * 3 quadrats * 2 plots * 6 elevations). The events yielded a grand total of 3677 specimens (occurrenceID), with 38 families, 60 genera, 92 identified species and subspecies, including 34 mosses (Phylum Bryophyta) and 58 liverworts (Phylum Marchantiophyta). Of these 92 taxa, two were Azorean endemic species, five were Macaronesian endemic species, 11 were European endemic species, and 74 were native, non-endemic species. The altitudes with the highest species richness, and highest number of endemic species, spanned between 600-1000 m a.s.l above sea level, coinciding with the most preserved forests at the highest altitudes. This study contributed to expanding knowledge about the diversity and distribution of the Azorean Bryoflora, both on a local and regional scale.

Sampling Description

Study Extent

This study covers six sites, each including two plots of 100 m2 each, placed along an elevation gradient, with a 200 m elevation step, from 40 m to 1000 m a.s.l., within the limits of the Terceira Natural Park (Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal). The transect starts in Serreta (Lighthouse), at 40 m a.s.l., and ends at Santa Bárbara Mountain, at 1000 m. a.s.l., along the western side of the Island.

Sampling

The inventory was conducted in September 2012, under the responsibility of Rosalina Gabriel, with the participation of Débora S.G. Henriques, Márcia C.M. Coelho, Raquel Hernández-Hernández and Fernando Pereira. Bryophytes were sampled along the elevation gradient using a modified BRYOLAT standardised method in order to include taxonomic information on phorophytes and environmental data (Ah-Peng et al., 2012; Gabriel et al., 2014; Borges et al., 2018). At each site, two plots of 10 m x 10 m were set 10-15 m apart. Each plot was divided into 25 quadrats (2 m x 2 m), from which three were randomly selected for further inspection. Each quadrat was carefully examined to collect three microplots of 50 cm2 (10 cm x 5 cm) for the substrates colonized by bryophytes: rock, soil, humus, organic matter, tree bark, and leaves/fronds. The microplots collected from tree bark were sampled in a stratified way, at the lowest (1-50 cm), medium (51-100 cm), and higher (101-200 cm) spots. Environmental data for each microplot was obtained in ordinal scales for Light, Evaporation, Humidity, and Rugosity, using the scales proposed by Gabriel & Bates (2005).

Quality Control

FIELD: Plots were placed within homogeneous areas of the most representative native vegetation found at each sampled elevation. Sampling was made by experienced bryologists, who ensured the samples were properly collected, while avoiding the excessive removal of material. STORAGE: After collecting the microplots for paper bags, these were left open and separated in a darkened room until complete dehydration. After identification, every sample was transferred to herbarium envelopes properly identified. All these envelopes were stored in the Herbarium of the University of the Azores (AZU), Section Bryophytes, under the name “MOVECLIM – AZORES project: Bryophytes from Terceira Island (2012)”. TAXONOMY: All efforts were made to achieve accurate identification of the specimens: (i) the most updated keys and floras were used by/under the supervision of experienced bryologists; (ii) challenging samples were sent to specialists for confirmation/identification; (iii) identification of extremely small or etiolated specimens was not pursued to the species level. Mosses were identified using the floras of Smith (2004) and Casas et al. (2006); liverworts were identified using the floras of Paton (1999) and Casas et al. (2009) and the taxonomic key of Schumacker and Váňa (2005). Visual guides (e.g. Atherton et al. 2010; Lüth, 2019) were also consulted, as well as the online pages of the British Bryological Society and the Bildatlas der Moose Deutschlands. Nomenclature follows Gabriel et al. (2010) and adaptations available on the Azorean Biodiversity Portal (2024). Species identification was mainly performed by Débora S.G. Henriques and Rosalina Gabriel. In 2023-2024, all the Frullania specimens were reviewed by Leila Nunes Morgado under the supervision of Rosalina Gabriel.

Method steps

Initially, field and laboratory work were completed in order to have herbarium records fully identified (Henriques et al., 2017): 1. Conceptualize an adequate research design to improve the knowledge of the bryoflora of native habitats in Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal); 2. Select six sites along an elevational transect in Terceira Island, using areas with the highest cover of native vascular plant species; 3. Select two study plots (10 m x 10 m) per site, separated by 10-15 m within a homogeneous vegetation area; 4. In each plot, randomly select three quadrats (2 m x 2 m) for further inspection; 5. In each selected quadrat, examine all available substrates, including rock, soil, humus, organic matter, bark, and leaves/fronds. Collect three samples, replicates or microplots (10 cm x 5 cm) from each substrate; 6. Dry the material in an airy and darkened room; 7. Identify the species present in each microplot; 8. Store samples in the Herbarium of the University of the Azores – Section Bryophytes (AZU-B). Secondly, data files were prepared to share information regarding Terceira Island bryophytes with GBIF and other platforms, using Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A), which is a standardized format for sharing biodiversity data as a set of one or more data tables. 1. Prepare a core data table (events), containing the 636 records, corresponding to each microplot of 10 cm x 5 cm; 2. Prepare one data table extension (occurrence), with 3686 records, corresponding to the inventory of all bryophytes found in the microplots.

Taxonomic Coverages

Mosses and liverworts.

Plantae
common name: Plants rank: kingdom
Bryophyta
common name: Mosses rank: phylum
Marchantiophyta
common name: Liverworts rank: phylum
Bryopsida
common name: Mosses rank: class
Jungermanniopsida
common name: Leafy liverworts rank: class
Marchantiopsida
common name: Thallose liverworts rank: class
Polytrichopsida
common name: Mosses rank: class
Sphagnopsida
common name: Peat mosses rank: class

Geographic Coverages

The study was carried out in Terceira Island (Azores Archipelago, Portugal). The six sampling sites were distributed in the Natural Park of Terceira, municipality of Angra do Heroísmo.

Bibliographic Citations

Ah-Peng C, Wilding N, Kluge J, Descamps-Julien B, Bardat J, Chuah-Petiot M, Strasberg D, Hedderson TAJ 2012 Bryophyte diversity and range size distribution along two altitudinal gradients: Continent vs. island. Acta Oecologica 42: 58‑65. - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actao.2012.04.010
Atherton I, Bosanquet S, Lawley M (Eds.) 2010 Mosses and liverworts of Britain and Ireland: a field guide. Plymouth: British Bryological Society. - ISBN 978-0-9561310-1-0
Azevedo E B, Rodrigues M C, Fernandes J F 2004 O Clima dos Açores. Climatologia: Introdução. In: V.H. Forjaz, ed. Atlas básico dos Açores. Ponta Delgada: Observatório Vulcanológico e Geotérmico dos Açores, pp. 25–48. -
Azorean Biodiversity Portal. (2024, May, 14). Portal da Biodiversidade dos Açores. - https://azoresbioportal.uac.pt/
Borges P A, Cardoso P, Kreft H, Whittaker R J, Fattorini S, Emerson B C, ... & Gabriel R 2018 Global Island Monitoring Scheme (GIMS): a proposal for the long-term coordinated survey and monitoring of native island forest biota. Biodiversity and conservation, 27, 2567-2586. - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-018-1553-7
Casas C, Brugués M, Cros R M, Sérgio C 2006 Handbook of mosses of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands: illustrated keys to genera and species. Institut d'Estudis Catalans. - ISBN 84-7283-865-X
Casas C, Brugués M, Cros R M, Sérgio C, Infante M 2009 Handbook of liverworts and hornworts of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands: illustrated keys to genera and species. Institut d'estudis Catalans. - ISBN 9788492583553
Coelho M C, Gabriel R, Hespanhol H, Borges P A, & Ah-Peng C 2021 Bryophyte diversity along an elevational gradient on Pico Island (Azores, Portugal). Diversity, 13(4), 162. - https://doi.org/10.3390/d13040162
Forjaz V H 2004 Atlas básico dos Açores. OVGA, Ponta Delgada, 108 pp. - ISBN 9729746648
Gabriel R, Sjögren E, Schumacker R, Sérgio C, Aranda S C, Claro D, ... & Martins B 2010. List of bryophytes (Anthocerotophyta, Marchantiophyta, Bryophyta). A list of the terrestrial and marine fungi, flora and fauna from the Azores, pp. 99-115. Princípia. -
Gabriel R, Coelho M C M, Henriques D S G, Borges P A V, Elias R B, Kluge J, Ah-Peng C 2014 Long-term monitoring across elevational gradients to assess ecological hypothesis: a description of standardized sampling methods in oceanic islands and first results. Arquipelago - Life and Marine Sciences (0873-4704) 45‑67. - https://repositorio.uac.pt/bitstream/10400.3/3296/1/LMSpp45-67_Gabriel_etal_N31.pdf
Gabriel R, Bates J W 2005. Bryophyte community composition and habitat specificity in the natural forests of Terceira, Azores. Plant ecology, 177, 125-144. - https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-005-2243-6
Henriques D S, Elias R B, Coelho M C M, Hernandéz R H, Pereira F, Gabriel R 2017. Long-term monitoring across elevational gradients (III): vascular plants on Terceira Island (Azores) transect. Arquipelago. Life and Marine Sciences 34: 1-20. -
Paton J A 1999 The liverwort flora of the British Isles. Harley Books. - ISBN 0946589607
Lüth M 2019 Mosses of Europe - A Photographic Flora. Freiburg, Germany. - ISBN 978-3-00-062952-5
Schumacker R, Vána J 2005 Identification keys to the liverworts and hornworts of Europe and Macaronesia (2nd ed.). Station Scientifique des Hautes-Fagnes. - ISBN 10: 8389949113
Smith A J E 2004 The moss flora of Britain and Ireland. Cambridge university press. - https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511541858

Contacts

Rosalina Gabriel
originator
position: Associate Professor
Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute
School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
Angra do Heroísmo
9700-042
Azores
PT
Telephone: 295402200
email: rosalina.ma.gabriel@uac.pt
homepage: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/pt/F212-6D82-7BA9
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3550-8010

Leila Nunes Morgado
originator
position: Researcher
Institute for Investigation and Technology of Agronomy and Environment, University of the Azores
Rua Capitão João d'Ávila, sn
Angra do Heroísmo
9700-042
Azores
PT
Telephone: 295402200
email: lmorgado2024@gmail.com
homepage: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/8F1A-BD80-00B5
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0561-1666

Débora S. G. Henriques
originator
position: Researcher
Banco Genético Vegetal Autóctone, Empresa Municipal Cascais Ambiente
Estrada de Vale de Cavalos
Cascais
2645-138
Estremadura
PT
Telephone: Alcabideche
email: debhenriques@gmail.com
homepage: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Debora-Henriques
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2529-6720

Márcia C. M. Coelho
originator
position: Researcher
Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute
School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
Angra do Heroísmo
9700-042
Azores
PT
email: marciacmcoelho@gmail.com
homepage: https://gba.uac.pt/member/maacutercia-catarina-mendes-coelho
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5829-6073

Raquel Hernández-Hernández
originator
position: Researcher
Departamento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Plant Conservation and Biogeography Group, Universidad de La Laguna
Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/n.
La Laguna
Canarias
ES
email: raquelmariahh@gmail.com
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0412-4831

Fernando Pereira
originator
position: Researcher
Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute
School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
Angra do Heroísmo
9700-042
Azores
PT
Telephone: 295402200
email: fernando.ea.pereira@uac.pt
homepage: https://gba.uac.pt/member/fernando-pereira
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2238-9681

Paulo A. V. Borges
originator
position: Associate Professor
Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute
School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
Angra do Heroísmo
9700-042
Azores
PT
Telephone: 295402200
email: paulo.av.borges@uac.pt
homepage: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/en/FA1A-C9CB-9C29
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8448-7623

Rosalina Gabriel
metadata author
position: Associate Professor
Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute
School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
Angra do Heroísmo
9700-042
Azores
PT
Telephone: 295402200
email: rosalina.ma.gabriel@uac.pt
homepage: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/pt/F212-6D82-7BA9
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3550-8010

Leila Nunes Morgado
metadata author
position: Researcher
Institute for Investigation and Technology of Agronomy and Environment, University of the Azores
Rua Capitão João d'Ávila, sn
Angra do Heroísmo
9700-042
Azores
PT
Telephone: 295402200
email: lmorgado2024@gmail.com
homepage: https://iitaa.uac.pt/?i=leila-morgado
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0561-1666

Rosalina Gabriel
point of contact
position: Associate Professor
Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute
School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
Angra do Heroísmo
9700-042
Azores
PT
Telephone: 295402200
email: rosalina.ma.gabriel@uac.pt
homepage: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/pt/F212-6D82-7BA9
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3550-8010

Paulo A. V. Borges
administrative point of contact
position: Associate Professor
Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute
School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
Angra do Heroísmo
9700-042
Azores
PT
Telephone: +351968933212
email: paulo.av.borges@uac.pt
homepage: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/en/FA1A-C9CB-9C29
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8448-7623

Rosalina Gabriel
administrative point of contact
position: Associate Professor
Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute
School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
Angra do Heroísmo
9700-042
Azores
PT
Telephone: 295402200
email: rosalina.ma.gabriel@uac.pt
homepage: https://www.cienciavitae.pt/pt/F212-6D82-7BA9
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3550-8010