This is the first book to cover England's rare and threatened mosses and
liverworts, collectively known as bryophytes. As a group, they are the
most ancient land plants and occupy a unique position in the
colonization of the Earth by plant life. However, many are at risk from
habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and other factors. Britain is
one of the world's best bryologically recorded areas, yet its mosses and
liverworts are not well known outside a small band of experts. This has
meant that conservation action has tended to lag behind that of more
charismatic groups such as birds and mammals. Of the 916 different types
of bryophyte in England, 87 are on the British Red List and are regarded
as threatened under the strict criteria of the International Union for
the Conservation of Nature.
This book aims to raise awareness by providing stunning
photographs--many never before published--of each threatened species, as
well as up-to-date profiles of 84 of them, including status,
distribution, history, and conservation measures. The book looks at what
bryophytes are, why they are important and useful, and what makes them
rare; it also examines threats, extinctions, ex situ conservation
techniques, legislation, and the impact of the 1992 Convention on
Biological Diversity.
- Provides the first treatment of England's rare and threatened mosses
and liverworts
- Features stunning photographs--many never before published--of each
species and many of their habitats
- Treats each species in a handy and attractive double-page layout
- Includes up-to-date profiles of 84 species, including status,
distribution, history, and conservation measures
- Presents the first overview of English bryophyte conservation
- Offers invaluable guidance to people working in conservation in
England, the British Isles, Europe, and beyond
