Bryofloristic diversity of the Puente de Ojuela tourist area, in the sierra of Mapimí, Durango, Mexico

Abstract

Bryophytes are taxa mainly related to sites with wateravailability, however, it is possible to find them in arid areas growing freely, al-though even in these areas there are different microhabitats. The bryophytessample collected along an altitude gradient in a tourist area called Puentede Ojuela were identified and their habitat preference was also established.A total of 17 species of bryophytes were identified in an altitudinal rangeof 1 353 to 1 850 meters above sea level, which showed that as altitudeincreased, the diversity of bryophytes did so proportionally. Of the 17 speciesidentified, seven are new records for the zone. The bryofloristic diversity ininterest area increases with the altitude, rather than with the direct presenceof the water resource.The aforementioned, gap in knowledge of saiddiversity is covered. The study is considered fundamental for new lines ofresearch involving Bryophyta taxa in semiarid environments.