Tropical lowland and montane rainforests are among the most species-rich ecosystems and on the other hand among the most endangered biomes. Rapid destruction of these forests has led to remnant stands, often surrounded by small fragments, which are isolated in an agriculturally used landscape. Data on vascular plants are available to a certain degree but the lack of data for lichens and bryophytes from tropical forests is a major problem also for conservation planning and for assessment of biodiversity value.

During the pilot phase we focused on inventory of lichens, bryophytes and vascular plants of Kakamega Forest, its surrounding fragments and an altitudinal transect on Mt. Kenya. Also, the plant communities were mapped in order to prepare vegetation and landuse maps. In the main phase, the focus moves besides biodiversity mapping towards sustainable use and capacity building.

The α- and β-diversity of lichens, bryophytes and vascular plants will be monitored along a transect of forest degradation and fragmentation from Kakamega Forest in Kenya to Mt. Elgon/Kenya and Budongo Forest in Uganda. A simultaneous inventory of lichens and bryophytes provides a highly sensitive system of bioindicators. Also by the simple record of growth forms or systematic groups, clear statements can be made concerning the state of the respective forest. Thus, lichens and bryophytes are well suited for a Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (RBA).