A comparison of three protocols for sampling epiphytic bryophytes in tropical montane rainforest

Abstract

Several sampling techniques for estimating abundance of non-vascular epiphytes, including bryophytes, have been developed over the past decade. The efficacy of those techniques, however, has never been investigated. The present study examines three sampling techniques: ladder quadrats, 10 x 10 cm quadrats at intervals of 40 cm, and a 10 cm wide strip around the stem. We found the use of 10 x 10 cm quadrats at intervals of 40 cm to be the most effective and efficient sampling method for quantifying bryophyte cover.