Abstract Detail

Bryology and Lichenology

Hoffman, Jordan [1], Lendemer, James [1].

Combing for Beach Broccoli: Surveys of the Endemic Lichen Cladonia submitis in the New Jersey Pinelands using Citizen Science.

The considerable biodiversity of lichens, their ecological value, and their sensitivities to pollution and habitat degradation, are well known and understood. However, little conservation-related work has been done in lichens outside of Europe, and the vast majority of species remain poorly studied in terms of their population sizes, genetics or conservation management. To date, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened species only lists eight lichen species, only two of which are protected under the endangered species act (ESA). Many lichen species are data deficient, and cannot be properly assessed without further study. One such species, Cladonia submitis (or Beach Broccoli), was recently proposed for risk assessment by the IUCN. However, the Mid-Atlantic endemic macrolichen lacked population size data or up-to-date distribution information, with many historical sites not revisited in several decades. As a result, the assessment was tabled until such data could be obtained. Described here are the results of population surveys for C. submitis in the Pinelands of Southern New Jersey, a region that constitutes approximately half of the known range of the rare species. This project hybridized conservation research with the important act of community outreach, employing the assistance of volunteers from the Boy and Girl Scouts of America to jointly survey historical recorded sites with researchers for the rare macrolichen. The aim of this research is to gather population data to inform an IUCN risk assessment for the species, and involve the community in conservation efforts in their environment.

1 - New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA

Keywords:
conservation
lichen
Cladonia
Population Demographics
Atlantic Coast.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Bryology and Lichenology
Location: Exhibit Hall/Omni Hotel
Date: Monday, June 26th, 2017
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PBL002
Abstract ID:182
Candidate for Awards:None