Micro to mega-landscapes: scaling arboreal lichen pattern and processes in the boreal rainforest

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As a landscape ecologist, I want to know why species are found where they are. Landscape ecologists use observations about species occurrences together with GIS data (digital maps) to develop distribution models to aid with this understanding. A challenge with these models can be lack of data on organisms. As well, robust scientific experimentation requires experiments to be replicated. However, in landscape ecology it is very difficult to have replicate landscapes on which to experiment. My goal is to overcome these challenges. I will use arboreal (tree-dwelling) lichens on the island of Newfoundland as a model system (with high numbers of individuals) to better understand what drives spatial patterns of biodiversity across scales. Newfoundland is known as the “boreal rainforest” because of its high lichen diversity. I will overcome the challenge of lack of replication using stands and trees as “landscapes” at multiple spatial scales. This will allow for validation and improvement of statistical models and thereby help to improve habitat models for other species. This will contribute to my on-going research to gain insights into species-habitat dynamics for boreal species. Finally, I will investigate how arboreal lichens can be used as an indicator for forest ecological integrity.