Towards a red List of the Albanian Bryophytes

Among the SE European countries Albania has the least known bryophyte flora. A bryophyte red list is lacking as well. Since it is not yet possible to use the IUCN criteria guidelines proposed for bryophytes, the aim of the present contribution is to compile a list of the bryophyte taxa from Al- bania with, wherever possible, the inclusion of conservational values, according to the European Bryophyte Red Data Book or other regional red lists (e.g. those existing for Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Romania). Hence, 16 liverwort species (ca 17% of the total) and 64 moss species (ca 18%) are taken into account. For an improved red list of the bryophytes of Albania extensive ex- ploration and collecting is greatly needed in the country. The hereby presented account should be considered as a tentative one. This preliminary version of a red list is provided with the aim to highlight the “national red list candidate” bryophyte species, which might need to be included in further natural heritage conservation initiatives in Albania. Even until then it is clear that there is an urgent need for the protection of the bryophytes in Albania.