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Ex Situ Conservation of Threatened UK Bryophytes

Jennifer Rowntree (The Bryophyte Conservation Officer) looking at one of the threatened mosses (Orthodontium gracile) held in the ex situ bryophyte collection at RBG Kew.

Of the estimated 900 bryophyte species native to the UK, more than 50 are included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The aim is to deliver the ex situ targets for these BAP species and Kew is a lead partner for two of them, i.e. the threatened moss Orthodontium gracile and the liverwort Pallavicinia lyellii.

Work involves the development of techniques for the micropropagation, cryopreservation, weaning and re-establishment of bryophytes into natural habitats, and the construction and maintenance of an ex situ collection. Suitable taxa are chosen in collaboration with BAP Lead Partners. Twenty one threatened species are currently held in axenic culture and as a cryopreserved collection in liquid nitrogen. Preliminary analysis of the genetic variation held in the collection has been undertaken for O. gracile. Trials are underway to develop methods for the introduction of O. gracile to Wakehurst Place. Funding has been secured for two three-year periods, from August 2000 to December 2006. Progress is reported bi-annually to the conservation agencies, and monitored by number and status of species in the collection. The project requires involvement with the BAP technical committee for bryophytes and has a role in promoting bryophyte conservation to a general audience. The project is represented on the IUCN Species Survival Commission Bryophyte Specialist Group (IUCN SSC BSG) and Reintroduction Specialist Group and on the board of the European Committee for Conservation of Bryophytes (ECCB).

By the end of 2005, outputs include bi-annual reports to the funding bodies, reports to the ECCB and IUCN SSC BSG, presentations at two international conservation conferences (with one published in conference proceedings), undergraduate lectures (given at both University of Hull and University of Hertfordshire), a web page for the British Bryological Society (http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/bbs/Learning/exsitu/exsitu.htm), various manuscripts are in preparation for publication, a trained college-based sandwich course student, and provision of advice on ex situ conservation.

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