Bioblitz of the Lake Rossignol Wilderness Area

Abstract

The Lake Rossignol Wilderness Area is a 4100 ha protected area in Queens County, Nova Scotia. In July, 2006, the Protected Areas Branch of Nova Scotia Environment invited 34 scientists, students and volunteers to conduct a four day bioblitz of this little studied protected area. Surveys were conducted for reptiles, fish, vascular plants, fungi, lichens and bryophytes. Physical and biological attributes of peatlands and dendrochronological studies were also conducted. A total of 294 species were identified during the survey, 285 of which are new records for the Wilderness Area. Dendrochronological analysis suggests trees at the site have been growing in place for at least the last 350 years.