Influence of urban green spaces on the conservation of bryophyte diversity: The special role of Japanese gardens

Urban green spaces play a critical role in the maintenance of biodiversity in urban areas. However, bryophyte (moss) diversity in urban areas has received little attention. This study examined the role of urban green spaces in maintaining and enhancing bryophyte diversity. Four sites in Kanazawa City, northwestern Japan, were selected for the study based on differences in the utilization and maintenance practices: a Japanese garden, an urban park, a secondary forest, and a lawn. Bryophyte species richness and environmental characteristics were measured in sample plots 5 m in diameter (ca. 78.5 m2) along transects spanning the length and width of each green space. Bryophyte species richness was especially high in the garden relative to that observed in the other green spaces. Multiple linear regression models determined that bryophyte species richness was significantly correlated with increased areas of water and rocks, increased areas of restricted entry, and the presence of maintenance practices; grass cover, on the other hand, was negatively correlated with bryophyte species richness. The results suggest that high bryophyte species richness in the gardens is related to the diversity of environments created by the design and maintenance practices for keeping the garden looking beautiful. These design and maintenance practices can be applied to the creation of green space for the conservation of bryophyte diversity. Furthermore, the placement of logs and creation of patches with lower maintenance intensity can enhance the conservation of bryophyte diversity.

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