Format: ORAL

Matej Man, Martin Macek, Anna Ružickov, Jir Malcek, Vojtech Kalck, Josef Bruna, Jir Proek, Jan Wild, Martin Kopeck

Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Zámek 1, CZ-252 43 Pruhonice, Czech Republic

The in situ measured microclimate is increasingly acknowledged as a pivotal determinant influencing species diversity and distribution. The affordability and widespread utilization of microclimate loggers in ecological research globally have yielded an extensive dataset from biotopes traditionally devoid of climate data due to the absence of meteorological stations. Forest interiors represent a paradigmatic case, exhibiting microclimates substantially divergent from meteorological observations typically obtained from open land. The influx of this massive volume of microclimatic data has facilitated innovative approaches and insights while concurrently introducing new challenges in the processing, analysis, and meta-analysis of microclimate data. In response to these challenges, we present the development of the myClim R package, specifically designed for seamless microclimate data processing and analysis, including the computation of standard, ecologically relevant microclimate variables. Leveraging myClim in conjunction with our expansive national forest microclimate monitoring network, CzeMiN, and the national database gathering the occurrence of lichens and bryophytes DaLiBor, we discerned the principal microclimatic variables steering the diversity and distribution of forest bryophytes and lichens. Moreover, through a comprehensive assessment, we partitioned the variance among microclimate, macroclimate, forest structure, and topography. Our findings indicate that the variation in temperate forest bryophyte and lichen diversity elucidated by in-situ measured microclimate cannot be accurately estimated through alternative proxy variables. This underscores the indispensable nature of microclimate data for comprehending the distribution of bryophytes and lichens and underscores its potential utility in their protection and conservation efforts. Specifically, our investigation identified growing degree days, maximum air temperature, and soil volumetric water content as the foremost variables influencing these ecological communities.