Monchique Special Area of Conservation, Portugal: a floristic and morphological–molecular study of the bryophytes of Serra de Monchique and the surrounding area reveals a remarkable diversity

Introduction Serra de Monchique, in the Monchique Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Algarve, Portugal, is the most southwesterly mountain range in continental Europe. There is no published inventory of its bryophytes, and the massif has been bryologically neglected compared with other mountainous areas in Portugal.Methods All bryophyte taxa across all the relevant habitats within Monchique SAC were recorded through non-systematised field sampling, focusing on the central massif. A comprehensive annotated bryophyte checklist was prepared, excluding doubtful taxa. IUCN Red List categories are discussed in the context of Natura 2000 habitats and species occurrence in 1 km2 UTM cells.Key results and conclusion In total, 369 taxa (357 species excluding subspecies and varieties), comprising 268 mosses (114 genera), 85 liverworts (39 genera) and four hornworts (three genera), are catalogued, representing 52% of the taxa recorded for continental Portugal and 19.6% of the total European bryoflora, including 20 European endemics and 14 near endemics. In total, 137 taxa are new to Monchique SAC, 17 new to Portugal, and three new to science (Coscinodon monchiquensis, Marsupella lusitanica, Neodicranella hamulosa); one new species will be described shortly (Lejeunea convallaria ined.). Eleven species are threatened in Europe, 47 in Portugal. One (Bryoerythrophyllum campylocarpum) is listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive. The bryological interest of Monchique SAC is confirmed as exceptionally high, ranking alongside that of top bryophyte sites in mainland Portugal, a remarkable conclusion given the poor condition of the SAC and threats from Eucalyptus afforestation, invasive plant species, wildfires and climate change.