Abstract:

Aims: The foundation of biodiversity study is the accurate description of existing species and a clear enumeration of their numbers. A comprehensive checklist is the basic data for understanding and conserving biodiversity within a specific region. To thoroughly understand the current status of bryophyte diversity in Hebei Province, it is important to revise the list of bryophytes in the province.
Method: Based on our team’s research findings over the years and recent publications, this study compiles an updated checklist of bryophytes in Hebei Province. We analyzed the species composition, floristic characteristics, dynamic changes, and threatened status of bryophytes.
Results: The updated checklist documents 544 species across 190 genera and 76 families, including 468 mosses in 152 genera and 51 families, 75 liverworts in 37 genera and 24 families, and 1 hornwort. Among them, 8 families and 12 genera are dominant. The bryophyte flora of Hebei Province is predominantly characterized by northern temperate elements, with the proportion of temperate components outnumbering tropical ones. The checklist includes 33 species endemic to China, 4 Endangered species, and 5 Vulnerable species. Compared to the previous checklist, there are 10 newly recorded families, 34 newly recorded genera, and 162 newly recorded species, while 9 species have been removed and 86 names revised. The main newly reported groups include the families Mniaceae and Pottiaceae, and the genera Brachythecium and Bryum, etc.
Conclusions: The diversity of bryophytes in Hebei is relatively rich, though the investigation reveals regional imbalances. Future efforts should focus on strengthening bryophyte surveys in weak areas (e.g., Qinhuangdao, Tangshan, Handan), and timely updates to the checklist are necessary. In addition, under the background of global climate change, we should pay more attention to the dynamic changes in bryophyte populations to provide a scientific basis for the study and conservation of bryophyte diversity in Hebei Province.

Key words: species diversity, bryophytes, species checklist, dynamic changes, flora