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Conflicting science requirements impact on rare moss conservation measures

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 September 2017

Luis R. Pertierra ,
Francisco Lara ,
Javier Benayas ,
Ronald I. Lewis-Smith  and
Kevin A. Hughes
Luis R. Pertierra*
Affiliation:
Departmento de Biogeografía y Cambio Global, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN), C/ de José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Francisco Lara
Affiliation:
Departmento de Biología (Botánica), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Javier Benayas
Affiliation:
Departmento de Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Ronald I. Lewis-Smith
Affiliation:
Centre for Antarctic Plant Ecology and Diversity, Moffat DG10 9LB, UK
Kevin A. Hughes
Affiliation:
British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
*
Luis.pertierra@gmail.com
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Abstract

The Antarctic Treaty recognizes the outstanding scientific values of the Antarctic environment through the designation of Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) that have rigorous management plans specific to each site. Deception Island has the largest concentration of rare bryophyte species and communities in Antarctica, while also offering substantial opportunities for research in a range of scientific disciplines due to its volcanic nature. As a result, conflicts between research interests and conservation goals may arise. On the summit ridge of Caliente Hill severe trampling damage to the moss assemblages growing in association with localized geothermal activity was observed. The range of species affected included the entire known population of Schistidium deceptionense, an endemic moss known only from this site, as well as other very rare Antarctic mosses (Ditrichum ditrichoideum, Bryum orbiculatifolium, Bucklandiella subcrispipila, Pohlia wahlenbergii and Dicranella hookeri). A photomapping study was undertaken to characterize further the status of the site and monitor changes within it. Increased awareness, co-ordination of activities and a spatial zoning within the site could help mitigate damage from permitted activities. Nevertheless, prioritization of longer term conservation goals over short-term research interests may ultimately be necessary where local human impact cannot be managed by other means.

Keywords

bryophyteconflict of valueshuman impactMaritime Antarcticasingle-island endemicthreatened species
Type
Biological Sciences
Information
Antarctic Science , Volume 30 , Issue 1 , February 2018 , pp. 13 - 21
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Copyright
© Antarctic Science Ltd 2017 

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