Researchers from the Nature Trust of New Brunswick are currently in pursuit of four distinct types of lichens, and they recently made a discovery in an unconventional location. The scaly fringe lichen, scientifically termed heterodermia squamulosa, was spotted between Alma and Riverside-Albert, situated to the east of Fundy National Park. According to Ilana Urquhart, a conservation coordinator at the Nature Trust, this finding represents the most easterly documented sighting of this species.
Lichens are a cooperative relationship between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, like algae. These organisms typically manifest as grey, yellow, or green crusty patches that grow on trees, resembling moss. While lichens can be challenging to locate, they are commonly found on rocks and trees. In the past, they have been observed along the coast west of Fundy and sporadically on Grand Manan.
Urquhart explained that lichens thrive on various surfaces, utilizing trees as a substrate for growth, with no direct interaction with the tree itself. The scaly fringe lichen, alongside the wrinkled shingle lichen, the blue felt lichen, and the white-rimmed shingle lichen, are notably elusive species. These lichens have been assessed for their rarity in the province, with the wrinkled shingle lichen classified as endangered, and the white-rimmed and scaly fringe lichens as threatened, while the blue felt lichen is a species of special concern.
These lichen species serve as valuable indicators of a healthy environment capable of sustaining diverse ecosystems. Despite their inconspicuous nature, lichens are often found in biodiverse and flourishing habitats. Habitat loss poses the most significant threat to lichens, primarily due to activities like logging and harvesting.
The Nature Trust’s research findings on lichens, funded by Environment Climate Change Canada through the Habitat Stewardship Program, are vital contributions to the province’s dataset. The Nature Trust researchers have been actively searching for lichens since 2022, collaborating with landowners to identify suitable habitats for these organisms. Lichens can be found in cedar swamp, maple swamp, and hardwood areas, with specific focus areas in Charlotte County, the Wolastoq (St. John River), and the coastal islands of the Bay of Fundy.
The search for the elusive blue felt lichen continues, with known occurrences in Charlotte County and on Grand Manan Island.
