Queens County home to endangered Lichen

Researchers found a rare and endangered lichen in Queens County. “Finding two in Queens County is quite significant, since it represents 10 % of the known population.” said Amanda Lavers from the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute.

The lichen sites have been steadily declining in Nova Scotia.

20 years ago there used to be 50 known sites. By 2002 it had dropped down to three. Currently, the known sites number around 20.

Boreal felt lichen used to inhabit New Brunswick, Norway and Sweden, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. In North America, it is currently only found in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. In Europe the Lichen is all but extinct. Under federal and provincial law, Boreal Felt Lichen is a protected species.

In Nova Scotia, boreal felt lichen are mainly found within 30 km of the Atlantic coast, in balsam fir stands on north facing slopes, next to mossy wetlands.

The lichen is different from other plants in that it gets all of its nutrients from the air and rainwater. It is extremely sensitive to air pollution and disturbances from deforestation.

The lichen is difficult to identify, which can make finding new sites challenging. A lichenologist was hired search along the South Shore. It took him six months of searching to find three sites, two in Queens County and one in Shelburne County.

The Boreal Felt Lichen is one of the most endangered species in Nova Scotia, so researchers are monitoring the sites closely to watch for changes. “Like a cog in a wheel, and the rivets in an airplane, it is important to keep all the parts.” said Lavers. “We need to make sure that our grandchildren have all the parts to put together that we do.”

Landowners can become stewards of boreal felt lichen by leaving these habitats undisturbed; this includes avoiding development that would cause such habitats to dry out. More information on boreal felt lichen, including tips on identifying the species, can be found at www.merseytobeatic.ca.