Contribution to the bryophyte flora of the Temštica river valley (E. Serbia) with notes to its conservation values

Abstract

Stara planina Mt. is one of the most important areas in Serbia considering bryophyte richness and specific flora. However, its foothill regions are somewhat neglected in the bryofloristic research. Focus of this study was Temštica river, located on the slopes of Stara planina Mt. The study is based on the specimens collected in the field, but also previously published bryophyte records were compiled to the species list. All together, total of 174 bryophyte species is known from Temštica river valley. Of these, 54 taxa were recorded in the area for the first time. Following three species are considered threatened on European level: Bryum funkii, Philonotis marchica and Sciuro-hypnum ornellanum, while significant number of found species is red-listed throughout region and European countries. River valleys proved to be important areas for preservation of specific bryophyte flora. These results represent basis for further bryological research, conservation measures and monitoring of endangered species.