Caves represent sites of great geological and biological interest. For most taxonomic groups, caves represent one of the most challenging ecosystems due to their extreme conditions. However, these places are rich in biodiversity, and some groups, such as bryophytes, can take advantage of these conditions. Bryophytes from twelve caves on Terceira Island (Azores archipelago) were sampled and compared in terms of species richness, abundance, and composition. The results revealed a high species richness of bryophytes, with one-fifth of the species being threatened and one-third endemic. Moreover, the dominance of bryophyte species, as determined by different functional groups, varies depending on the sampled cave and, consequently, the environmental variables. This is evident from the high β-diversity values obtained, demonstrating significant dissimilarities in species composition among the surveyed caves. Both macro- and microclimatic variables significantly influenced the richness and abundance of bryophyte species in different ways, depending on the functional group studied. Highlighting bryophyte diversity in cave environments, this study points to the need for effective management strategies to preserve and protect these unique and ecologically significant communities. These places can serve as refuges for some species, even for bryophytes, a taxonomic group with a long-distance dispersal strategy.

On oceanic islands, biological invasions challenge species distribution models (SDMs) because estimated niches depend on spatial scale and invasion phase. Islands further complicate SDMs because their limited extent truncates the local environmental space, steep elevational gradients create strong microclimatic heterogeneity, and invasion data are often sparse and spatially biased. We present a Nested Hierarchical SDM (NHSDM) framework that explicitly links global and regional niches to improve model transferability and management relevance. We model three invasive C4 grasses, Cenchrus setaceus , Melinis repens subsp. repens , and Setaria parviflora , combining worldwide occurrences with a high-resolution regional workflow for the Canary Islands. NHSDMs comprise global and regional ensembles, plus two integrative products: (i) a covariate-augmented regional model that includes the global prediction, and (ii) a multiplicative consensus. To diagnose scale effects, we introduce two metrics: the Variable Importance Deviation Index (VIDI), which quantifies shifts in predictor importance, and the Gradient Response Deviation Index (GRDI), which summarises differences in the shapes of predictor–response curves. We project suitability under current climate and late-century scenarios (SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5; 2071–2100) and estimate spatial overlap among species. NHSDMs reveal species-specific scale dependence: C. setaceus shows broad warm-xeric suitability and a relatively low VIDI (consistent responses across scales), while M. repens and S. parviflora display mesic-montane affinities with higher VIDI and GRDI, indicating stronger scale-driven shifts, particularly for precipitation seasonality. Despite modest environmental niche overlaps, spatial co-occurrence is projected to increase, especially under SSP5-8.5, suggesting emerging multi-species impact hotspots where coordinated control may be most cost-effective. By translating future suitability into management-oriented risk metrics, our approach supports spatial prioritisation of surveillance and control; its main value lies in guiding decisions that reduce impacts on insular biodiversity and protected habitats.

Grimmia decipiens en Palencia; Hookeria lucens, Marchantia polymorpha subsp. montivagans, Riccardia chamedryfolia, Scapania scandica, Schistidium rivulare, Scorpidium cossonii, Sphaerocarpos europaeus, Sphaerocarpos ibericus en Madrid; Lepidozia cupressina en Lugo; Orthotrichum pulchellum en A Coruña; Orthotrichum rivulare en Zamora; Riccia canaliculata en Madrid y Guadalajara & Trichostomum meridionale en Ciudad Real

Fire modifies the composition and distribution of biodiversity, but the availability of broad elevational gradients for evaluating its effects is limited. Studies conducted along elevational gradients provide valuable insights into the impacts of large-scale disturbances. Due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and low palatability to invasive herbivores, bryophytes serve as effective bioindicators for analyzing disturbance levels in oceanic island ecosystems where herbivores have been introduced. Our research focused on examining how α and β diversity and bryophyte species composition change along an elevational gradient from 200 to 2000 m a.s.l. in areas affected by fire 20 years ago compared to control areas that have been fire-free for at least 50 years. This study was carried out using different functional bryophyte groups in the pine forest of La Palma Island (Canary Islands), where this ecosystem is well represented. The findings revealed the sensitivity of the Canarian pine forest ecosystem to fire. Pine forest areas burnt 20 years ago were significantly poorer in bryophyte species than those in areas free from fire for at least 50 years. α-diversity is proposed as the most indicative parameter for analyzing the impacts of fire on the studied functional groups along the entire gradient analyses. However, β-diversity is more dependent on environmental conditions, increasing in the wettest pine forests. The results suggest that the fire impacts vary depending on the specific functional group of bryophytes and the type of pine forest.

This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in the peri-Mediterranean and adjacent regions: algae Valonia utricularis and Zonaria tournefortii, mosses Cryphaea heteromalla, Geehbia fallax Ptychostomum creberrimum, and Tortula brevissima, lycophyte Diphasiastrum alpinum and dicots Abutilon grandifolium and Zinnia elegans.