Islands-Endemism and threatened bryophytes

Abstract

THE NUMERAL OF TAXA AND THE ENDEMISM AMONG THE HEPATICS ON ISLANDS IN THE SOUTHWEST PACIFIC IS COMPARED WITH CENTRAL AFIRCA. THE GENERAL RANGE SIZE OF HEPATIC TAXA IN AN ARCHIPELAGO (SAMOA) IS ALSO COMPARED WITH THAT INA COMPARABLE AREA ON A MAJOR CONTINENT (UGANDA). THE NUMBER OF TAXA IS IN GENERAL SLIGHTLY HIGHER IN SOUTHWEST PACIFIC COMPARED WITH CENTRAL AFRICA (20% AND 2.5%, RESPECTIVELY). THE MEAN DISTRIBUTION AREA IS SLIGHTLY BUT SIGNIFICANTLY LARGER FOR THE CONTINENTAL TAXA. THE POSSIBLE AREA IS SLIGHTLY BUT SIGNIFICANTLY LARGER FOR THE CONTINENTAL TAXA. THE POSSIBLE THREAT TO TAXA WITH SMALL RANGER IS DISCUSSED TOGETHER WITH THE CONSEQUENCES FOR CONSERVATION.