Bryophyte Diversity and Distribution Patterns along Elevation Gradients of the Mount Etna (Sicily), the Highest Active Volcano in Europea

Mt Etna in Sicily hosts a bryophyte floristic richness of 306 taxa, corresponding to 259 mosses, 43 liverworts, and 4 hornworts. Species shows hump-shaped relationship with the elevation, peak at 1200–1700 m a.s.l. Chorotype patterns clearly change along an altitudinal gradient, from Mediterranean, located 0–300 a.s.l., Arctic-montane boreo-Arctic montane 1800–2700 showing correlation bioclimatic belts identified for Etna. In regard life form pattern, turf species are most represented each elevation except 2300–2700 where tuft prevalent. The strategy pattern colonists as prevailing species, featured by increasing trend up 2200 elevation; above this limit, they exceeded perennial stayers. Furthermore, taking into consideration red-listed (at European and/or Italian level), well phytogeographical interest, it was possible identify high conservation priority areas; these areas thermo-Mediterranean oro-Mediterranean belts, latter oldest substrates volcano some interesting glacial relicts find refuge.