Biocultural conservation trail system reduces bryophyte richness but not diversity in the southernmost miniature forest of the world

TL;DR

A new trail in a bryophyte-rich area of Chile may reduce species richness but not overall diversity.

Contribution

The study shows that ecotourism trails can negatively affect bryophyte richness in sensitive ecosystems.

Findings

Bryophyte cover and diversity were not significantly affected by the trail.

Richness was lower at the existing trail compared to the proposed site.

Ecotourism trails may harm bryophyte communities in conservation areas.

Abstract

The Cape Horn region of southern Chile is one of the remaining bryophyte (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) hotspots in the world. The Omora Ethnobotanical Park on Navarino Island contains impressive examples of the region’s bryophyte diversity. A new trail has been proposed and we aimed to predict how a trail expansion might impact bryophyte communities. We compared the current trail and the proposed trail site and found significant differences. Specifically, there was no significant difference in bryophyte cover and diversity, but richness was lower at the existing trail. These findings indicate that ecotourism trails may negatively impact bryophyte communities.

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