PTERIDOPHYTES
Daniel F. Brunton
MAJOR GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE
Distributional information is relatively rich for pteridophytes in the Mixedwood Plains Ecozone. Basic information on the site ecology of many species in Ontario and Quebec is superficially understood. Much of our ecological understanding of these species comes from studies undertaken elsewhere. Varying degrees of locally derived ecological data are contained in regional and local floristic and taxonomic sources (e.g. Soper 1963, Britton 1969, Reznicek 1972, Cody 1978, Cody and Britton 1989, Lamoureux 1993). Some the most pressing information gaps remaining for the ecozone are noted below:
- pre-development baseline data
- few data exist on the ecology and diversity of the native vegetation of the Mixedwood
Plains Ecozone prior to the arrival of European settlers, loggers and industrialists.
It is difficult for researchers and managers to determine trends and requirements when basic ecological information is only available from the period after substantial
alteration of the ecozone's landscape had commenced.
- habitat fragmentation effect
- the impact of woodland habitat fragmentation (a common occurrence throughout the
ecozone) is only superficially understood.
- non-native plant and animal competition
- the impact on native habitats and their pteridophyte populations of invasive 'weeds'
such as Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Wild Garlic
(Alliaria petiolata), Dames Rocket (Hesperis matronalis),
etc., is understood in only general terms. They may constitute a particularly serious
threat to smaller, more delicate and apparently less successfully competitive pteridophytes
like the grapeferns (Botrychium).
- Rare Species - the ecological and conservation requirements of most rare pteridophytes are poorly understood or unknown.