Nowhere to escape – Diversity and community composition of ferns and lycophytes on the highest mountain in Honduras

Abstract IPCC predictions for Honduras indicate that temperature will increase by up to 3–6°C and precipitation decrease 7–13% the year 2050. To better understand how fern lycophyte communities might be affected climate change, we comprehensively surveyed community compositions of ferns lycophytes at Celaque National Park, highest mountain in Honduras. We a total 80 20 × m 2 plots along an altitudinal gradient 1249–2844 a.s.l., identifying all species estimating their abundances. recorded 11,098 individuals from 160 61 genera. Community composition was strongly influenced changes altitude, abundance bryophytes (a proxy air humidity). Of species, 63 are expected, under RCP2.6 scenario 2050, shift range fully or partially above maximum altitude mountain. these, 65.1% epiphytes. found with narrow ranges high altitudes were more risk. Our study indicated conservation efforts should prioritise higher sites, focusing particularly on preserving vulnerable epiphytic which likely greater