Abstract
Paramos are “insular” ecosystems confined to high-elevation zones of the Andean forests. Of the total area of paramo worldwide, 49% is found in Colombia and from these, the 18.3% within the department of Boyacá. Biogeographic and climate dynamics shape bryophyte species richness in the Neotropics. We compiled a comprehensive species list from herbarium specimens (UPTC and COL) and online databases (GBIF and Tropicos), supplemented with a taxonomic review. We analyzed species richness and floristic similarity (Jaccard index) and assessed distribution patterns under the biogeographic regionalization. We also conducted a principal component analysis (PCA) using bioclimatic variables (CHELSA) and elevation to determine the species’ climatic range. A total of 582 bryophyte species were recorded across the páramo complexes of Boyacá, with high representation in the provinces of Magdalena, Cauca, Yungas, Puna, and Guajira. We identified eight bryophyte groups based on precipitation (1000–2700 mm) and elevation (100–2700 m). The Tota-Bijagual-Mamapacha complex showed the highest richness and shared ~ 50% of its species with other paramo regions, likely due to historical connectivity, climatic fluctuations, and topographic heterogeneity. The remarkable bryophyte diversity in these ecosystems reflects adaptations such as high dispersal capacity, phenotypic plasticity over climatic and elevational gradients, and biogeographic range with other paramo areas and Neotropical regions.