Abstract
Terrestrial lichens are unique organisms that are pioneers on bare sand and rock, survive desiccation and reproduce both sexually and asexually. They compete poorly with dense, aggressive vascular flora. Wildfires require organic matter as fuels, are the driving force in perpetuation of the Taiga Ecosystem in a heterogeneous environment and, if left alone, are self controlling. Caribou wintering on the Taiga are dependent on: (1) a terricolous lichen forage supply for most of the winter, (2) a heterogeneous environment to cope with predators and the changing nival environment, and (3) natural wildfires to supply these needs. Wildlife control on the Taiga winter range is not recommended as a management tool for barren-ground caribou.
Highlights
Science is a search for truth, but it certainly has been difficult to identifywhat is fact andwhat is fict ionin the controversial subject o f forest fires, lichens, and wintering barren-ground caribou on the taiga of northcentralCanada
It was later reported that Scotter's hypothesis was incorrect because the method used to age forest stands on the taiga winter range of the Beverly carib oupopulation was biased to recent forest fires (Johnson & Rowe, 1975)
Johnson & Rowe reported that forest fires i n the winter range o f the Beverly caribou population were mostly caused by lightning
Summary
The following paper by DonMiller was presented, submitted, reviewed and accepted by the editors of the 7th NorthAmerican Caribou Conference i n Thunder Bay, Ontario. W e have includedthemin these proceedings as a courtesy to the ThunderBay organizers
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