Bryophyte diversity in the Ritsa relict national park forest vegetation (Republic of Abkhazia)

The results of bryophytes studies of the broad-leaved and mixed (coniferous and broad-leaved) forests of Ritza relict national park (Republic of Abkhazia) are presented. These communities are considered in order Rhododendro pontici - Fagetalia orientalis Passarge 1981 (class Querco-Fagetea Br - Bl. et Vliegeret Vlieger 1937). 96 species of bryophytes from 56 genera and 28 families are revealed. The greatest number the bryophytes (50-60 species) is revealed in the fir-beech forests located on average and top altitudinal belts. Bryophytes species richness is lower (31-32 species) in broad-leaved beech and hornbeam forests of the lower belt and beech forests located near an upper boundary of the forest belt. Bryophyte component is the least in the flood plain alder forests (16-26 species). The numerous group the epiphytic and epilithic species exacting to humidification conditions is character for the broad-leaved and dark coniferous -forests of lower and average forest belts.