Bryophyte Diversity as Bioindicators of Environmental Stress in Coastal Ecosystems: Implications for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Bengkulu, Indonesia

Abstract

Bryophytes are highly sensitive to environmental changes and are widely used as bioindicators of ecosystem conditions. This study aims to analyze the diversity and ecological role of bryophytes in coastal ecosystems of Panjang Beach, Bengkulu, Indonesia, and evaluate their potential as indicators of environmental stress relevant to sustainable agroecosystems. Field sampling was conducted using an exploratory approach along coastal vegetation, focusing on epiphytic bryophytes growing on tree substrates. Species identification was carried out based on morphological characteristics, while environmental parameters including temperature, humidity, light intensity, and soil pH were measured in situ. A total of six bryophyte species were identified, dominated by the genus Calymperes, along with Hyophila apiculata and Haplomitrium blumei. The results indicated low species diversity, which is strongly associated with extreme coastal environmental conditions such as high temperature (32.4–38.2 °C), fluctuating humidity (48.55–65.85%), and high light intensity (2024–8496 lux). These conditions limit bryophyte growth, allowing only stress-tolerant species with specific morphological and physiological adaptations to survive. The dominance of drought- and light-tolerant bryophyte species highlights their role as effective bioindicators of environmental stress. These findings suggest that bryophyte communities can be utilized as ecological indicators for monitoring environmental quality, not only in coastal ecosystems but also in agroecosystems with similar stress conditions. This study provides important insights for sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation in tropical regions.