| Abstract |
Lichens are composite organisms composed primarily of a fungus and one or more photosynthetic partners. Lichens have many important ecological roles and frequently compose a significant portion of the vegetation in extreme environments such as badlands. Badlands are a terrain type often associated with prairie ecosystems and characterized by extensive erosion, with steep slopes and little soil making them unsuitable for human development and agriculture. Despite their ecological importance, little is known about the lichens of the prairies and badlands of Alberta. In 2024, I conducted a lichen survey in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta (DPP), resulting in 145 species in 70 genera known from DPP. Newly reported are 89 species for DPP, 22 for Alberta, 5 for Canada, and 1 for North America. This study highlights the importance of floristic surveys in providing baseline biodiversity data, crucial information necessary for successful conservation efforts in a changing climate.
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