Bryophytes of the Loess Cliffs in the Pannonian Area of Austria.

ABSTRACT: Austrian loess cliffs represent unique habitats supporting a rich bryophyte flora, including numerous rare and endangered species. We conducted a comprehensive survey of 86 loess cliff sites in the Pannonian area of Lower Austria, Burgenland, and Vienna, recording 79 bryophyte species. The results highlight that Austrian loess cliffs, despite their small spatial extent, are key refugia for light-demanding, desiccation-tolerant bryophytes. Hilpertia velenovskyi, a critically endangered species, was recorded at six new sites, expanding its known Austrian distribution. Our study also documents the first Austrian occurrences of several Pterygoneurum species. Seven bryophyte communities were distinguished: Aloinetum rigidae, Hilpertio velenovskyi-Pterygoneuretum compacti

SUBMITTER: Zechmeister HG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12566642 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature