Abstract
The responses of the reindeer lichens (Cladina stellaris, C. rangiferina, and C. mitis) to logging and fire were compared in lichen-rich forest stands in northwestern Ontario. In the summer of 1992, reindeer lichen cover, in total and by species, was visually estimated and detailed notes were taken on reindeer lichen conditions, modes of reproduction, and substrate use on 34 undisturbed, burned, or logged sites. While virtually no reindeer lichens survived forest fire, much of the reindeer lichen cover remained after logging. Reindeer lichen cover increased with time since fire. Total reindeer lichen cover was not correlated with time since logging. Fragment growth was found to be an important mode of reproduction on logged sites, and occurred with greater frequency on logged sites than on burned sites. Colonization of organic substrates by reindeer lichens was observed on both logged and burned sites.
Highlights
The responses of the reindeer lichens (Cladina stellaris, C. rangiferina, and C. mitis) to logging and fire we compared in lichen-rich forest stands in northwestern Ontario
Recent studies have documented that reindeer lichens are abundant for more than 40 years after logging in some forest stands in northwestern Ontario (Harris, 1996; Racey et al, 1996) and that some of these stands are being used by woodland caribou as winter habitat (Racey et al, 1996)
C. mitis and total reindeer lichen cover increased with time since forest fire (Table 1, Fig. 1)
Summary
The responses of the reindeer lichens (Cladina stellaris, C. rangiferina, and C. mitis) to logging and fire we compared in lichen-rich forest stands in northwestern Ontario. Post-fire lichen ties serve as late winter habitat for woodland cari- and bryophyte succession follows a general progresbou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), and the reindeer sion, first described by Ahti (1959) and documented lichens, Cladina stellaris (Opiz) Brodo, C. rangiferina throughout the boreal forest in Canada Their primary late winter fodder (Simkin, 1965; Bouchard, 1983; Foster, 1985; Morneau & Payette, Darby & Pruitt, 1984; Cumming & Beange, 1987; 1989). Recent studies have documented that reindeer lichens are abundant for more than 40 years after logging in some forest stands in northwestern Ontario (Harris, 1996; Racey et al, 1996) and that some of these stands are being used by woodland caribou as winter habitat (Racey et al, 1996)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
