Diversity Characteristics of Bryophytes on the Eastern and Western Slopes of Sejila Mountain

[Objective] To study the characteristics of bryophytes in subalpine cold zone and related transition zone. [Method] The study was divided into scale A and scale B. On the scale of A, specimens were collected from Tongmai-Pailong-Dongjiu-Lulang-Sejila Pass-Nyingchi Town-Bagi Village along the national Highway 318. A sample plot was set for each 100 m altitude increase, and samples were collected between each two sample plots as well. On the scale of B, bryophyte specimens were collected and studied in the fixed sample plot of the Tibetan Nyingchi Alpine forest Ecosystem Research Observatory. [Result] Through the sampling and collection of bryophytes in Sejila Mountain, more than 3 000 specimens were identified with the classical classification method. There were 216 species of bryophytes belonging to 82 genera and 24 families. The bryophytes in the study area differed obviously in different vegetation types and slopes. The species richness of Sabina saltuaria-Abiesgeorgei var. smithii forest was the highest. The α diversity of Abiesgeorgei var. smithii forest was the highest, followed by Sabina saltuaria-Rhododendron forest, and that of alpine shrub was the lowest. Diversity studies showed that the β diversity of Sabina saltuaria-Rhododendron forest and Rhododendron forest on the eastern slope was the largest, and those of alpine shrub and Sabina saltuaria-Abiesgeorgei var. smithii forest were the lowest. However, the β diversity of Abiesgeorgei var. smithii forest on the western slope was the highest, and those of alpine shrub and Abiesgeorgei var. smithii forest were the lowest. [Conclusion] There are obvious differences in the distribution of bryophytes on the eastern and western slopes of Sejila Mountain of Tibet.