Work

Mi'kmaw knowledge helps uncover a new area of interesting lichen biodiversity on the island of Newfoundland (Ktaqmkuk)

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The island of Newfoundland, Canada, is known as an area with high lichen species richness; however, most of this diversity is known from coastal regions where the ocean creates a maritime climate. The central part of the island has a more continental climate and is also the part of the province with the highest levels of industrial forest harvest and mining activities. For these reasons, it has not been an area considered to have high lichen diversity. Here, we show how local Mi'kmaw knowledge in collaboration with western scientific expertise facilitated a two-eyed seeing approach (Etuaptmumk) that yielded the discovery of overlooked lichen diversity in Central Newfoundland. Surveys by the authors throughout 2023 yielded collections of 175 species of lichenized, lichenicolous and allied fungi from the area known as Charlie's Place. Of these, there is a high proportion of cyanolichens (13%) and calicioids (11%), indicating high ecological value and potential old growth/ancient forest status. In addition, we report 19 new species records for the province, two of which (Chaenothecopsis vainioana and Myrionora albidula) are new records for Canada. Overall, the survey work reported here suggests that Charlie's Place should be a priority area for protection within the context of Central Newfoundland. This work also illustrates the value of research under the framework of Etuaptmumk and the benefits of combining local Indigenous and western scientific knowledge. The political, logistical, and financial support of Qalipu First Nation was key to the success of this work.

Source: The Bryologist

DOI: 10.1639/0007-2745-127.2.249