MODELLING THE DISTRIBUTION OF CRYPTOTHALLUS MIRABILIS MALMB. (ANEURACEAE, HEPATICOPSIDA) IN THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

Abstract

  Cryptothallus mirabilis Malmb. exhibits a specialised ecology and is a non-photosynthetic liverwort. This species was first described for Scandinavia and till now was considered a north oceanic species. The discoveries of C. mirabilis in different localities in Portugal are the first reliable records of the species in southern Europe and represent an extension of its geographical range. In fact, in Portugal C. mirabilis does not seem to be rare in areas with oceanic influence, mainly in wet forestry habitats. It is possibly widespread in the Iberian Peninsula because it is easily overlooked owing to its subterranean growth. The objective of this work is to give new localities which contribute to an evaluation of its ecological requirements, to the definition of its biogeographical distribution in Portugal, and to present a predictive map for the Iberian Peninsula. The aim of the model is to identify the distribution pattern and also some potential places of occurrence in Spain and provide information about the environmental range of the species in order to improve actions for conservation.