Taxonomic Survey of Bryophytes in the Raimundo Paraguassu de Oliveira Municipal Natural Park, Porto Velho (RO)

Objective: The present study aims to identify and taxonomically describe the bryophyte species present on the trails of the Raimundo Paraguassu de Oliveira Municipal Natural Park (PNMPVH) in Porto Velho (RO), with a view to contributing to the conservation and knowledge of the local flora. Theoretical Framework: Bryophytes, such as mosses and liverworts, are small, non-vascular plants that perform important ecological functions in forest ecosystems, serving as shelter and a source of resources for organisms such as lichens, arthropods, and other insects, in addition to contributing to the local ecosystem balance. Method: A total of 128 bryophyte samples were collected from three trails in the park, identifying 18 species of mosses (Bryophyta, distributed across 10 families) and 7 species of liverworts (Marchantiophyta, belonging to two families). Identification was carried out at the João Geraldo Kuhlmann Herbarium (UNIR), with the aid of specific references. Descriptions included morphological aspects, reproductive structures, geographical distribution, and observed ecological interactions, such as associations with other plants and animals. Results and Discussion: The study in PMNPVH identified a predominance of bryophytes of the phyla Bryophyta (mosses) and Marchantiophyta (liverworts), mainly in corticolic environments (on tree bark and palm trees). There were also records in terrestrial, rupicolous, and epixylous substrates. Eighteen species of mosses (12 genera, 10 families) and seven species of liverworts (six genera, two families) were found, with two new occurrences of each group for the state of Rondônia. Implications of the research: The study offers a significant contribution to knowledge of bryophyte biodiversity in the Western Amazon and highlights the importance of preserving these organisms in conservation units, as well as supporting future floristic research in the state of Rondônia. Originality value: The taxonomic identification of bryophytes in a natural park generates information about their conservation status and opportunities for future research on bryophyte preservation in Brazilian park ecosystems.