Bryophyta Plant Diversity in Nepal

After the angiosperm, bryophytes are the second most diverse group of land plants. They mostly prefer to grow in moist or damp, and shady places. Nepal, a mountainous country, features a variety of habitats in different ecological zones ranging from tropical to alpine zones, providing favorable conditions for the growth of bryophytes. The exploration of Nepali bryophytes began in the early nineteenth century. Dr. Francis Buchanan-Hamilton was the first collector of bryophytes in Nepal. Subsequently, expeditions over different times helped with more collections, and the number of bryophytes increased to 1217, with five species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list and 10 endemic species. Mosses are the most dominant species among the three lineages of bryophytes in Nepal, followed by liverworts and hornworts, with Plagiochila as the dominant genera. In addition to the exploratory work, few researchers have focused on the diversity and distribution of bryophytes along elevation gradients. Similarly, the distribution of bryophytes in different aspects of the mountain, in disturbed and undisturbed areas of the mountain, and their economic importance have been determined. Identification of bryophytes is the most difficult aspect of bryological research in Nepal, not only for beginners but also for experienced bryologists. In addition, the distribution pattern and the relationship between species and environmental variables have received the least attention. Consequently, further field studies are required in unexplored and high-elevation regions.