Protect Endangered Canadian Lichen from Extinction Now

  • by: Jessica Ramos
  • recipient: Catherine McKenna, Canadian Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

Scientists in Canada are worried. According to a press release by the Canadian Science Publishing (NRC Research Press) endangered Boreal felt lichen in Canada are in trouble: the species is on the road to extinction with 50 percent of the lichen projected to decline in the next 25 years. Considering that lichen produce oxygen that we breathe and absorb pollutants from the atmosphere, we should all be concerned. 

Human activities could spell the end for the endangered Boreal felt lichen. Air pollution, specifically in the forms of acid rain and acid fog, is the main threat to Boreal felt lichen. Habitat loss and the ongoing threat of climate change further endanger this endangered species.

Ultimately, the researchers recommend a focus on the long-term health of the Boreal felt lichen. Unfortunately, we don't exactly have the luxury of time anymore. As the press release brilliantly sums up: "[C]learly more needs to be done and it needs to be done quickly before we lose this species and the many species associated with it."

Sign and share this petition urging Canada to protect the endangered Boreal felt lichen with stronger, more long-term conservation efforts.

Photo Credit: Ian Goudie

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