NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: biology, lichen, vegetation, moss

Objective(s): To increase knowledge of bryophytes (e.g., mosses, liverworts) and (incidentally, where possible) lichens in the Northwest Territories.

Project Description: The objective is to increase knowledge of bryophytes (e.g., mosses, liverworts) and (incidentally, where possible) lichens in the Northwest Territories. Waterfall areas can offer a wide diversity of microhabitats (featuring a large variety of substrates, moisture and light levels, and exposures) within a relatively small area. Bryophyte species and communities are often associated with specific microhabitats, such that a greater diversity of species may be found where the microhabitat diversity is also high. At each stop on the survey, promising habitats and microhabitats will be targeted so as to detect the maximum number of species within the available time. Locations and general site characteristics will be recorded with notes, GPS measurements, and photographs. Bryophyte species will be listed, where they can be recognized in the field. Species that require microscopic examination for identification will be collected: small, palm-sized patches will be placed in labeled paper packets and preserved by drying for later laboratory study. Lists of species, locations, and representative site / species photos will be compiled and provided to NWT Environment and Natural Resources. Lichens often grow together with mosses, and some lichen specimens may be collected incidentally in the course of this work. Any lichen samples that are collected will be identified and the resulting information will be shared along with the results of the work. The research team expect to stay in some territorial campgrounds in the course of our work, which would allow for opportunities to engage others with an evening presentation on mosses, a 'show and tell' table, and/or informal visits while we are processing specimens. The team will happily discuss the activities and share their enthusiasm for the work with anyone who expresses interest when they are met in the field. Northwest Territories Environment and Natural Resources will advertise public presentations. A report, including appended species lists and photos, will be provided to NWT Environment and Natural Resources, to use in communication and management activities. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 1, 2018 to July 21, 2018.