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The research results on bryophyte diversity in two special areas of conservation (Environs of Lakes Žalieji and Ežerėliai Complex ) included into the Natura 2000 network and occurring on the outskirts of Vilnius are presented. The study aimed to ascertain bryophyte diversity at the studied sites. In addition, the conservation status of habitats protected under the European Union Habitats Directive in terms of bryophyte species they contain was evaluated. The research was carried out in 2019–2020 and 2022 and covered all habitat types and substrata in the territories. A total of 110 bryophyte species (11 liverworts and 99 mosses) were recorded in both studied areas. About 70% of bryophytes were recorded in one of the areas. Among 13 habitats protected under the Habitats Directive, bryophyte diversity in three of them confirmed their favourable status. Habitats with dominant deciduous trees (9020 Fennoscandian hemiboreal natural old broad-leaved deciduous forests rich in epiphytes and 9180 Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines) distributed in the area Environs of Lakes Žalieji were characterised by a large number of epiphytes, among which there were also indicators of favourable habitat conservation status. In both habitats, Dicranum viride was recorded. Our research did not reveal bryophyte species indicating the favourable status of 9010 Western taiga habitats. In contrast, small areas of wetland habitats are of favourable conservation status. Three typical bryophyte species (Hamatocaulis vernicosus, Sphagnum warnstorfii and Tomentypnum nitens) were recorded in 7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs (the area Ežerėliai Complex). The results of our study confirm that some habitats of Vilnius outskirts, despite increased pressure of urbanisation, are still able to maintain favourable status.

Based on the Nature Conservation Act, the rare fen moss Hamatocaulis vernicosus (Bern Convention, EU habitat directive) is protected in more than 500 Natura 2000 territories of Europe. Knowledge on its ecology is required to ensure favourable conservation status, meanwhile data from specific regions is still insufficient. The aim of this study was to high-light habitat characteristics specific at the junction of boreal and continental biogeographical regions. The data of 63 study plots included cover and abundance of the plant species, water parameters (conductivity, pH, and concentrations of Ca2+, Fe3+, K+, Mg2+, NH4+, NO3-, and PO43-), topography type and microrelief form. The specific features both in terms of water parameters and vegetation were ascertained. The habitats showed wide variation and high amounts of electrical conductivity, calcium, iron and magnesium. Most associated species were Carex diandra, C. rostrata, Menyanthes trifoliata, and Calliergonella cuspidata. The highest restriction with the most frequent plant communities showed Marchantia polymorpha, Plagiomnium ellipticum, and Rumex acetosa. Thus, the study confirms the general trends known for the habitat preferences of H. vernicosus and highlights the regionally based characteristics related to both water physical-chemical parameters and vegetation. To ensure favourable status of H. vernicosus throughout Europe, conservation measures that consider the particular features of the regional habitats should be applied.

Racomitrioideae Ochyra&Bednarek-Ochyra yra gana stambus grimijinių šeimos (Grimmiaceae Arn.) pošeimis, apimantis kladokarpines arba rečiau akrokarpines samanas. Šiam pošeimiui priklauso vidutinio dydžio ar stambios, kupsteliais, puriais kilimėliais ar vejomis augančios samanos. Paplitusios abiejuose žemės pusrutuliuose šalto, vėsaus ir vidutinio klimato zonose, o tropinėje zonoje kalnuose ir aukštikalnėse. Lietuvos botanikų darbuose minimos 2 šio pošeimio rūšys – Racomitrium canescens (Hedw.) Brid. ir Racomitrium heterostichum (Hedw.) Brid., tačiau nuodugnių rūšių paplitimo tyrimų nėra atlikta. Pastaraisiais metais Europos samanų taksonomijoje ir nomenklatūroje įvyko daug pokyčių. Išsamūs Racomitrium Brid. genties tyrimai buvo vykdomi kaimyninėje šalyje Lenkijoje. H. Bednarek-Ochyra išskiria naują pošeimį Racomitroideae Ochyra&Bednarek-Ochyra, kuriam priskiria gentis: Racomitrium, Niphotrichum (Bednarek-Ochyra) Bednarek-Ochyra&Ochyra, Codriophorus P. Beauv. ir Bucklandiella Roiv. Iki šiol Racomitrioideae pošeimio samanos, jų paplitimas Lietuvoje išsamiau nebuvo tirtas. Be to, pasikeitė buvusios gana didelės Racomitrium genties taksonomija ir nomenklatūra. Šios priežastys paskatino imtis Racomitrioideae pošeimio įvairovės Lietuvoje tyrimų. Racomitrioideae Ochyra&Bednarek-Ochyra is a relatively large subfamily cladocarpous or rarely acrocarpous mosses of the family Grimmiaceae Arn. Its species are medium-sized or large plants growing in tufts, cushions or extensive mats. They are common in cold, cool and temperate zones of both hemispheres and in the tropics they are restricted to montane and altimontane elevations. In the past decades there has been remarkable progress in taxonomic and nomenclatural studies and many changes relating to the European moss flora have been published. A revisionary study of Racomitrium has progressed to the point whereby the genus in its present circumscription is a heterogenous taxon which is split into four genera, Racomitrium s.s., Codriophorus P. Beauv., Niphotrichum (Bednarek-Ochyra) Bednarek-Ochyra & Ochyra and Bucklandiella Roiv. During the course of the present study 140 specimens of Racomitrioideae subfamily mosses in Lithuania and country herbaria (BILAS, HSUD, WI, Viešvilės valstybinis herbaras) have been investigated. Hydrated specimens were examined for the qualitative characters and have been made detailed measurements. The locations observed cells and measured leaf dimensions are presented in Fig.2, 3. Having examined specimens of Racomitrioideae subfamily, it is suggested that the subfamily includes four species, what are referable to 2 genera: Bucklandiella and Niphotrichum. Two species have been stated in Lithuania previously - Bucklandiella heterosticha (Hedw.)... [to full text]