A Bryophyte and Lichen Survey of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area
LaGreca S, Abair R, Greene D, Kneiper E, Lay E, Lincoln M. 2003. A Bryophyte and Lichen Survey of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area
A survey of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area yielded 71 bryophyte species in 43 genera, and 167 lichen species in 64 genera. There are very few well-developed lichen and bryophyte communities on the islands: most species were found only after extensive searching. Ten percent of the lichens represent a euoceanic floristic element, and five percent represent a coastal plain element. Caloplace verrucilifera, and orange lichen of rocky shores, is reported new for Massachusetts. In general, larger islands have greater lichen species counts than smaller ones. Both humans and seabirds negatively affect the bryophyte and lichen species diversity on the islands; however, humans may in some cases increase diversity as new substrates are introduced. The lichen and bryophyte flora on the islands appears to be recovering from a long history of human disturbance and air pollution. Specific management recommendations to facilitate this recovery are discussed.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- LaGreca, Scott; Abair, Ray; Greene, Douglas; Kneiper, Elizabeth; Lay, Elisabeth; Lincoln, Mary
- Date of Issue
- 2003
- Units
- BOHA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Bryophyte, Lichen