Does the logs decomposition affect epixylic bryophyte communities? A Study in Atlantic Forest Fragments of...

Decomposing logs play a crucial role in sustaining the diversity of epixylic bryophytes; however, research on this group remains limited. This study sought to examine how log circumference size and decomposition stage influence the richness and composition of epixylic bryophyte communities in Atlantic Forest regions of northeastern Brazil. Bryophyte samples were collected from 40 logs representing three decomposition stages: initial, intermediate, and advanced. Most of the species identified on the sampled logs were from the families Calymperaceae and Lejeuneaceae. The cancellinae structures of Calymperaceae and the lobules of Lejeuneaceae enhance the tolerance of these species to moisture fluctuations, particularly during the early stages of decomposition.The results indicated that variations in bryophyte coverage, richness, and species composition were not significantly associated with either decomposition stage or log circumference. Notably, bryophyte richness and species composition remained consistent across different decomposition stages, suggesting a high level of species coexistence. This pattern may be attributed to the availability of abundant resources and reduced competition in this substrate type.