Cinclidotus danubicus and C. riparius (Pottiales, Pottiaceae), two interesting moss species of watercourse ecosystems new to Liguria

During a series of surveys of macrophyte communities carried out as part of the monitoring plan for the watercourses of Liguria, the moss species Cinclidotus riparius and C. danubicus were found. For both species, these records represent the first reports for the Region; however, while C. riparius was repeatedly recorded throughout the entire monitoring period and in several sites across different watercourses in the area, C. danubicus was collected in a single location. The presence and distribution of C. riparius across a relatively high number of sites characterized by marked geolithological similarities made it possible to highlight a strong correlation between the territorial distribution of the moss and the lithology of the surrounding areas. Conversely, the single record of C. danubicus is of particular significance due to its rarity within Italian territory. Both species are of considerable interest because of their important role as bioindicators of the degree of ecological integrity of watercourses and their ecosystems.