Bryophytes in Caatinga–Cerrado Ecotones: A Floristic Survey in Piauí, Brazil

This study investigated the richness and distribution of bryophyte species in ecotonal areas of the state of Piauí, Brazil, based on collections carried out between 2022 and 2023 and specimens deposited in the Cryptogamic Herbarium of the State University of Piauí. Sampling was conducted in nine municipalities within transitional zones between the Caatinga and Cerrado biomes and in the Sete Cidades National Park, using exploratory walks and sampling on different substrates. A total of 22 Bryophyta (moss) species from 16 genera and 12 families were identified. Three species represent new records for the Caatinga biome, one for the Northeast region of Brazil, and three for the state of Piauí. Several taxa showed broad geographic distributions and high local frequency in the sampled areas. These results provide updated data on the geographic distribution of bryophyte species in Brazil and information on the bryoflora of Piauí and the Northeast region.