Plant, macrolichen and moss community structure and species richness in the coastal barrens of Nova Scotia

Abstract

Coastal barrens in Nova Scotia are an understudied habitat type characterised by short, predominantly ericaceous vegetation, sparse tree cover, exposed bedrock, areas of bog, and stressful climatic conditions. Six coastal barrens were selected along the Atlantic coast. Twenty 1 x 1 m plots at each site were sampled for vascular plants, macrolichens and mosses, and environmental factors, including substrate nutrient and moisture levels, exposure, and substrate depth. One hundred and seventy-six species were recorded over the 6 sites (105 vascular species, 43 macrolichen species, 28 moss species), 11 of which are provincially rare (S1, S2). Community composition differed among sites, and was related to distance to coast, substrate depth, substrate moisture, and vegetation height. Species richness was influenced by moisture conditions, exposure and substrate depth. Conservation efforts should protect gradients of these environmental factors in order to protect a diversity of plant types, which respond variously to these factors.