Lichens from the Hudson Bay Lowlands: northwestern interior treeline peatlands of Wapusk National Park in Manitoba

Abstract

Peatlands, including plateaus, palsas, or polygons, contain a diversity of lichens and bryophytes that dominate northern ecosystems. Studies on the lichen diversity of peatlands in Wapusk National Park on the Hudson Bay Lowlands in Manitoba are rare. The goal of this study was to examine the species diversity of lichen-forming fungi in the northwestern peatlands of Wapusk National Park. Seven locations were sampled in the northwestern portion of the park, including one burned peat polygon, three unburned peat polygons, two peat plateaus, and a peat-covered beach ridge. Eleven species are reported new for the national park. A large number of species had a boreal element, reflecting the presence of the treeline. As expected, the burned peat polygon showed the lowest levels of species similarity with that of other sites. A peat-covered beach ridge also showed low levels of similarity with the other peatlands. The most similar sites were the two peat plateaus. This study also shows species similarity among peatland types. Revegetation of the burned peat polygon was slow and is discussed with reference to park management practices and climate change.