Líffræðifélag Íslands - biologia.is
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2025
Erindi/veggspjald / Talk/poster V20
Höfundar / Authors: Pawel Wasowicz (1), Rafn Sigurðsson (2), Olga Kolbrún Vilmundardóttir (1), Mariusz Wierzgon (3), Ingibjörg Svala Jónsdóttir (2)
Starfsvettvangur / Affiliations: 1. Náttúrufræðistofnun, 2. Háskóli Íslands, 3. Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
Kynnir / Presenter: Pawel Wasowicz
The invasive moss Campylopus introflexus is among the few bryophytes recognized as invasive in Europe, where it profoundly alters ecosystems. In Iceland, it is confined to geothermal areas of high conservation value. Extensive field surveys across 16 high-temperature geothermal systems revealed the species to be present within 12 systems, often forming dense mats that cover large surfaces. It thrives best in moist habitats with elevated soil temperature and low water table, and its spread is facilitated by fragmentation, wind, animals, and human trampling. Community analyses demonstrate that C. introflexus significantly reduces vascular plant and bryophyte richness and alters species composition, leading to disappearance of native vegetation. Soil measurements indicate a preference for acidic substrates, though the moss also occurs on basic soils, suggesting a broader potential niche. A bioassay confirmed allelopathic effects, with suppressed root elongation of Festuca richardsonii, though germination was unaffected. The combined evidence highlights that C. introflexus poses a substantial threat to geothermal ecosystems in Iceland, reducing biodiversity and altering plant community structure. Its ongoing expansion underlines the urgency of monitoring and management to safeguard unique geothermal habitats.