Endemic Meadow Mapping
Lead: Government of Yukon
Timeframe: 2020-2023 [completed]
While the mammoth has gone extinct, there still exists a unique assemblage of plant species that hail from the time of Beringia. Our goal is to find and map these ice-age ‘survivor’ species of which some are found nowhere else in the world. We are using the available data on a suite of Beringian plant species and remote sensing earth observation data to create a series of habitat models to identify relict Beringian steppe where rare species are more likely to be found.
Threats/Sectors Addressed: Mining and Quarrying
Species at Risk Benefitting: Dune Tachinid Fly, Siberian Wormwood, Yukon Wormwood, Hooker's Oatgrass, Baikal Sedge, Dryland Sedge, Pale Comandra, Pallas' Bugseed, Yukon Draba, Yukon Wild Buckwheat, Saltwater Cress, Three-flowered Avens, Oriental June Grass, Winterfat, Yukon Goldenweed, William's Catchfly, Upland Sandpiper
Partners: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Members of the YSB Priority Place Working Group
Photo (above): “Stepping Stone, with Nestotus in bloom” by Syd Cannings
Resources
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Meadow Mapping - Webinar
There is a unique assemblage of plant species that hail from the time of Beringia! Some of these ice-age 'survivor' species are now some of the rarest, and at-risk vascular plants in Canada. Department of Environment habitat biologist Caitlin Willier tells about how we're studying these pockets of dry meadow habitats in Yukon.
FUnders:
This project would not be possible without the generous support of the Government of Yukon and Environment and Climate Change Canada. We thank you!
