System for predictive distribution modelling of endangered bryophytes and lichens applied in nature conservation 2017 – 2020

The main aim of the project is creation of supporting system for field research and evaluation of occurrences of rare and/or endangered bryophytes and lichens. The supporting system will be available online for the general public. It will consist of tool for predictive species distribution modelling directly connected with database of occurrences of bryophytes and lichens in the Czech Republic. Development of online environment for integration of records on bryophytes and lichens occurrences at national level will be also included in the project. The methodology for prediction of potential localities of species under interest will be certified and verified using case studies. Results will be presented as specialized expert maps validated for selected localities.

Under the terms of the project we gathered recent presence data of bryophytes and lichens across the Czech republic from individual researchers and connected data into DaLiBor – Czech National Database of Lichens and Bryophytes. This is the first, and the most complete common database of recent data of bryophytes and lichens.

We also established online prediction software for species distribution modelling  as a tool to support field research of new localities of endangered or interesting species.  

Final result of the project was the certified methodology. It introduced certified procedure of using species distribution modelling to support discovery of new localities with presence of rare species of bryophytes and lichens in the Czech Republic. Methodology was certified by the Czech ministry of environment protocol no. MZP/2020/630/2795. 

As an example we prepared set of seven special maps showing the relative probability of  suitable habitat habitat distribution for 3 target species of lichens (Biatora efflorescens, Thelotrema lepadinum, Cladonia norvegica) and 4 bryophytes  (Mannia fragrans, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Anastrepta orcadensis, Dicranum viride, Hamatocaulis vernicosus).  

Project was funded by Technology agency of the Czech Republic. Project number: TH02030644

Principal investigators: Jan Wild, Matěj Man