Summary ³

Also known as reindeer lichens, caribou lichens and reindeer moss, they make up around 90% of caribou and reindeers winter diet. Because lichen are low in protein but high in carbohydrates, they still need to supplement their diet with other plants. Other ungulates also eat lichen such as moose, mule deer, and mountain goats, although are not as dependent on it. There are 9 species across the USA and Canada, 5 of them in Ivvavik (C. arbuscula, C. mitis, C. rangiferina, C. stellaris and C. stygia). They can be found in dry to boggy areas and like acidic habitat. (Brodo 2001)

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Jason Hollinger, some rights reserved (CC BY), http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/981449253/
2. (c) Paul Morris, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/aa3sd/5045914496/
3. (c) Yukon Conservation Data Centre, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND)

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• Mushroom Observer
• SEINet Symbiota portals

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