Richardson, D.H.S., Lucas, Z. & Anderson, F. 2009. The lichen flora of Sable Island, Nova Scotia: its past, present and likely future status. The Bryologist 112(3): 558-571.

Note: This paper reports the results of a survey conducted in August 2007, the first detailed study of lichens on Sable Island since 1899 when John Macoun recorded 27 taxa. During 1988-1991, ZL had collected 192 lichen specimens, and photographed species and habitats on the island. However, the specimens remained unidentified until 2007 when they were examined D.H.S. Richardson. During the August 2007 study, the previous collection sites were revisited, and additional locations were investigated. The study revealed that 39 macrolichens and 42 crusts presently occur on Sable Island—on sand, bone, lignum and cement substrata. This paper’s annotated checklist of current and former records includes 62 macrolichens and 46 crustose species, as well as 7 lichen parasymbionts. There have been significant changes in the island’s lichen flora since Macoun’s visit in 1899. For example, Bryoria fuscescens occurred on Sable in 1990 but could not be found in 2007.