Abstract

Based on our field and literature surveys, four types of endangered liverworts are recognized for the mainland Chinese bryoflora: A type - rare and endemic species; B type - widespread species becoming rare; C type - species important to scientific research; and D type - species with a widely disjunctive distribution. We put forward six major causes for the decline of liverwort populations in mainland China. These are: 1) over-cutting of natural forests; 2) ill-planned public construction works; 3) cultivation of edible mushrooms and medicinal plants; 4) inappropriate conservation practices; 5) over collection of leaves with epiphyllous liverworts; and 6) air pollution. A preliminary list of 18 species of rare and endangered liverworts are provided for mainland China. The following measures are proposed to help conserve these liverworts: 1) more investigations of local bryoflora; 2) establishment of more nature reserves; and 3) public education and dissemination of information about nature conservation and endangered plant species.