Palaeoecology and conservation of endangered hidden species; example of the liverwort Riella (Riellaceae)

Palaeoecology is increasingly contributing to conservation biology and restoration ecology by extending the recent annual decennial records of ecological observations centennial millennial time scales. One almost neglected potential applications palaeoecological investigations in discovering hidden species subrecent fossil records. Such discoveries can be common biodiversity hotspots which fauna flora are not still fully known. In this study, we present case liverwort Riella continental southwest Asia (Iranian plateau), a very vulnerable taxon growing reproducing under special circumstances. Our study adds two new (R. echinata R. helicophylla) addition formerly reported cossoniana, subfossil bryophyte Iran. We demonstrate important contribution that genus has played history wetland semi-arid arid areas Iran during late Quaternary. further possibility it thriving many systems may need discovered then protected its habitats. suggest lower latitudes, more attention paid taxonomic identification reveal part for defining better strategies aquatic ecosystems such as seasonal systems.