Rediscovering Andreaea subulata Harv., a critically endangered moss in Brazil

ABSTRACT

Andreaea subulata is a moss species that occurs throughout the Southern Hemisphere. In Brazil, it is restricted to high-altitude fields in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The last recorded collection of this species in the country was made 95 years ago in the Itatiaia National Park (INP). It was never seen or collected again since then and it was, therefore, considered ‘probably extinct’ in Brazil. Here we report the rediscovery of this species in the INP and provide information on its ecology and conservation status in Brazil (Critically Endangered) as well as conservation recommendations. The newly found population is very small and grows on granitic rocks in humid areas. The principal threat to the species in Brazil is habitat loss.

Keywords: bryophytes; high-altitude fields; conservation; ecology; moss; rediscovery