Abstract
An arboreal lichen index to be utilized in assessing woodland caribou habitat throughout northeastern Ontario was developed. The "index" was comprised of 5 classes, which differentiated arboreal lichen biomass on black spruce trees, ranging from maximal quantities of arboreal lichen (class 5) to minimal amounts of arboreal lichen (class 1). This arboreal lichen index was subsequently used to estimate the biomass of arboreal lichen available to woodland caribou on lowland black spruce sites ranging in age from 1 year to 150 years post-harvest. A total of 39 sites were assessed and significant differences in arboreal lichen biomass were found, with a positive linear relationship between arboreal lichen biomass and forest age. It is proposed that the index be utilized by government and industry as a means of assessing the suitability of lowland black spruce habitat for woodland caribou in this region.
Highlights
Winter survival of woodland caribou in the black spruce peatlands of northeastern Ontario appears to be dependent on the availability of ground and arboreal lichen and arboreal lichen bio¬ mass has been shown to be an important parameter identifying late winter habitat selected by this species (Van Daele & Johnson, 1983; Wilson, 2000)
Arboreal Lichen Biomass Using the arboreal lichen index, the mean arboreal lichen biomass per hectare was calculated for each black spruce site and analyzed for changes with for¬ est age
The results indicated a general increase in arboreal lichen biomass as the forest aged and stand age and arboreal lichen biomass were significantly and posi¬ tively correlated using a Pearson's correlation (r = 0.90; P < 0.05)
Summary
Arboreal lichens represent a significant portion of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) forage throughout the winter season (Edwards et al, 1960; Edwards & Ritcey, 1960; Bloomfield, 1980; Van Daele & Johnson, 1983; Darby & Pruitt, 1984; Morash & Racey, 1990; Ouellet et al, 1996; Warren et al, 1996; Wilson, 2000). As logging is an important factor influencing lichen availability, the impact of logging on lichen ecology and biomass is an important issue for maintaining sustainable woodland caribou populations (Stevenson, 1979; Van Daele & Johnson, 1983; Hansen et al, 1991; Kouki, 1994; Esseen et al, 1996; Webb, 1996)
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