Format: ORAL

Milo Ilic1, Ankica Milovanovic1, Ivana Blanua1, Boris Radak1, Mirjana Cuk1, Tijana ikuljak1, Dragana Vukov1

1 University of Novi Sad, Faculty of sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 2, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia

There is a notable gap in our understanding of the primary factors influencing epiphytic bryophyte diversity in urban areas. This study aims to provide fresh insights into the intricate web of epiphytic diversity within urban landscapes, specifically investigating whether phorophyte type exerts a predominant influence on bryophyte diversity compared to other tree characteristics. The survey encompassed seven locations in Novi Sad City, including three city parks and four main boulevards. All epiphytic bryophyte species were meticulously recorded across these sites, revealing a total of 35 species. To quantify bryophyte abundance, we utilized the microplot sampling method, employing microplots (1010 cm) at a 20 cm distance on all four sides of each tree, from the base up to the 2 m heigh. Alpha-diversity measures included species richness, the Shannon diversity index, and the Pielou evenness index. The Srensen similarity index served as a non-parametric beta diversity measure to assess the similarity between different locations. Environmental drivers, such as bark pH, tree diameter at breast height, bark structure, tree height, and phorophyte type, were incorporated. Multivariate analysis, specifically Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) and Variation Partitioning, were employed to test the impact of environmental variables on epiphytic bryophyte diversity. The highest Shannon diversity index was observed on Celtis occidentalis and Populus alba trees, while Betula pendula and Styphnolobium japonicum exhibited the highest evenness index. CCA analysis indicated that the most influential explanatory variable was phorophyte type, explaining approximately 30% of the total variability. Tree height, tree diameter, bark pH, and structure significantly influenced the Shannon diversity index of epiphytic bryophytes, accounting for approximately 5% of the total variability. While this study underscores the predominant influence of phorophyte type on epiphytic bryophyte diversity, further research is warranted to unravel unexplained variations, possibly attributable to microclimatic conditions.