Conflicting science requirements impact on rare moss conservation measures

The Antarctic Treaty recognizes the outstanding scientific values of the Antarctic environment through the designation of Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) that have rigorous management plans specific to each site. Deception Island has the largest concentration of rare bryophyte species and communities in Antarctica, while also offering substantial opportunities for research in a range of scientific disciplines due to its volcanic nature. As a result, conflicts between research interests and conservation goals may arise. On the summit ridge of Caliente Hill severe trampling damage to the moss assemblages growing in association with localized geothermal activity was observed. The range of species affected included the entire known population of Schistidium deceptionense, an endemic moss known only from this site, as well as other very rare Antarctic mosses (Ditrichum ditrichoideum, Bryum orbiculatifolium, Bucklandiella subcrispipila, Pohlia wahlenbergii and Dicranella hookeri). A photomapping study was undertaken to characterize further the status of the site and monitor changes within it. Increased awareness, co-ordination of activities and a spatial zoning within the site could help mitigate damage from permitted activities. Nevertheless, prioritization of longer term conservation goals over short-term research interests may ultimately be necessary where local human impact cannot be managed by other means.This study was part of the MIDAH CTM2010-11013 project financed by the Spanish National Polar Programme. Our deepest gratitude goes to Olga LópezHilzinger for her photometric skills and continuous support on producing the photo-assemblages. Thanks also to all the Spanish researchers working in the area for sharing their valuable thoughts. In particular, special thanks to Dr Amos Gil. We are also indebted to Peter Convey for his valuable insight. We are very grateful to Ryszard Ochyra for critical review of the specimens. We also thank Graciela de Diego for field support. LRP was partially supported by a contract associated to the project NICHEAPPS (CGL2014-56416-P) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO)Peer Reviewe