Bryophytes diversity in Mirador State Park, Maranhão, and floristic similarity among protected areas in the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

Abstract The Mirador State Park (MSP) is the largest protected area in Maranhão and features typical vegetation formations of the Brazilian Cerrado. We investigated the richness and composition of bryophytes in different vegetation types of the MSP, along with substrates of preference and geographical distribution of the species. Collections were conducted in February and June 2023 and January 2024. A similarity analysis was performed among the protected areas in the Brazilian Cerrado. A total of 1,416 bryophyte specimens were identified, representing 64 species, 35 genera, and 21 families. Six species were new records: Syrrhopodon elatus Mont., for the Cerrado and the Northeast region of Brazil; Fissidens allionii Broth., Chionoloma arboreum (Mitt.) M.Alonso, M.J.Cano & J.A.Jiménez for the Northeast region; C. schlimii (Müll.Hal.) M.Alonso, M.J.Cano & J.A.Jiménez, Fissidens dissitifolius Sull., Chryso-hypnum elegantulum (Hook.) Hampe, for Maranhão. Riparian forests showed the highest species richness and occurrence. The most colonized substrate was the trunks of living trees. Most species have a wide distribution in Brazil and the Neotropical and Pantropical regions. Cluster analysis of the floristic composition revealed clear, ecologically consistent regional structures among the evaluated protected areas. The results highlight the importance of conducting floristic and taxonomic studies in protected areas in the Cerrado and maintaining Mirador State Park to preserve biodiversity.