This proposal represents the highest ideal in biodiversity research in a developing country. Relatively few scientists work with the bryophytes, yet the group has a significant function in tropical ecosystems. The PI has already devoted considerable time and expertise in the development of moss herbaria throughout the country. In addition, he regularly teaches courses on the mosses at those institutions, and has inspired Colombian scientists and students to work with and publish on the mosses of the country. Churchill deposits the first set of each accession in the largest moss herbarium in Columbia, to which he already has given personal collections. Although funds were not requested for development of a database in the proposal, he has initiated such a project and has already begun to enter data. The materials are collected so that nucleic acids can be extracted at a later date. If A.I.D. funds become available then this aspect of his work will also be supported. The moss flora of Colombia is exceptionally rich and diverse primarily because of the diverse topography and climate. The PI is making excellent progress toward the treatment of the mosses of Colombia ?in Spanish! for Flora de Colombia, for which he is cooperating with Colombian botanists, and an English manual of the mosses. Thus, this proposal fully satisfies, and exceeds, all the criteria for the Biotic Survey & Inventory competition.
