Effects of elevation and disturbances on the associations between the diversities of bryophyte and macrolichen functional-taxonomic groups on Madeira Island

Biodiversity varies with elevation and is affected by disturbances. However, little known about how the associations between diversities of different bryophyte macrolichen functional-taxonomic groups are altered along elevational gradients Knowledge on these might be importance in practical conservation biology, as identifying indicator taxa which easy to monitor could useful estimating a wider biodiversity. We sampled species richness bryophytes macrolichens 92 plots distributed disturbed undisturbed stands laurel forest Madeira. then calculated matrix correlations for all pairwise combinations 18 tested average differences disturbance history whether particular can used estimate other taxa. Associations within group were always positive mainly strong. Although changes changed groups, we found mosses or liverworts suitable predicting overall green-algae reliable richness. generally weak, suggesting that two have ecological requirements do not share same environmental drivers. The fact no single taxon predict any group, vice versa, points need study both lichens. relatively therefore