In this context, several thesis topics are available. About the Plant Cladonia rangiferina is also known as Reindeer Moss, Caribou Moss, and Reindeer Lichen. Ecology Habitats. There is also evidence that lemmings and bird eggs sometimes become their food. Because reindeer love lichen so much it is sometimes called “reindeer lichen.” In the winter reindeer will look for food under the snow. Composed of many light and dainty branches, it grows in cushion-like tufts. It is considered as very delicate compared to other plants when it comes to overgrazing and trampling on by human deeds, as well as disasters such as fires. Lichens consist of two different organisms, a fungus and either an alga (a simple plant) or a cyanobacterium (bacteria that can photosynthesise), which live together symbiotically, forming a composite organism (3). Common Name: Moss, Reindeer Scientific Name: Cladina rangiferina Family: Lichen Other Common Names: Caribou Lichen Flower Color: N/A Habitat: Thin or poor soils, forest floors, rock General Bloom Dates: N/A General Characteristics: This fruticose (shrubby) lichen ranges in color from white to a greenish or gray hue. The usnic acid content helps Reindeer to break down fat reserves during the winter months. Green and grey reindeer lichens are most easily separated by colour. Reindeer Moss are also the primary type of lichen used for miniature trees to add realism to model train panoramas and architectural mock-ups. Reindeer are one of the only mammals that can see UV light, allowing them to see lichen, polar bears against the snow, and urine trails. Humans hunt this species heavily for meat, fur and antlers. The chemical in litmus paper ( which indicates acid or base) is also made from lichen. Scientific Name: Cladonia rangiferina - The generic name… They are the only deer species in which both the male and female can grow antlers. About Reindeer Moss. Reindeer Moss contains high amounts of carbohydrates and vitamins A and B, and is low on protein. It is mainly found in the taiga and the tundra. It grows in both hot and cold climates in well-drained, open environments. You've already seen this in the brick versus mortar example of the previous paragraph. Habitats Lichens can grow in almost any habitat, but are most common in forests, bogs, sand barrens, cliff faces and talus, rock outcrops, and cemeteries. species of lichenised fungus in the family Cladoniaceae, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, "Novel Abietane Diterpenoids and Aromatic Compounds from Cladonia rangiferina and Their Antimicrobial Activity against Antibiotics Resistant Bacteria", "Degradation of the disease-associated prion protein (PrP(TSE)), the probable etiological agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) by a serine protease from lichens", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cladonia_rangiferina&oldid=980018806, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2016, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 24 September 2020, at 04:03. They grow on rock, walls, gravestones, roofs, exposed soil surfaces, and in the soil as part of a biological soil crust. Family: Cladoniaceae. Sw. renlav), grey reindeer lichen, or (misleadingly) reindeer moss, is a light-colored, fruticose species of lichen, belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. Reindeer lichen (Cladonia rangiferina), sometimes referred to as deer moss, is actually a combination of a fungus and an alga that share a symbiotic relationship. ... One study in Norway found that in the last century, undisturbed reindeer habitat has shrank by 70 percent, including grazing lands that have been flooded for hydroelectric dams. (Ilona Kater) Change and conflict in the Arctic. Reindeer have been domesticated in Europe. Other species of reindeer moss are wide-ranging and grow from from very cold regions in the noth to very dry and hot habitats in the south. Due to acids present in lichens, their consumption may cause an upset stomach, especially if not well cooked. The only naturalised reindeer in the UK are found in the Scottish Highlands where they live for much of the year on reindeer moss. Merry Christmas everyone!!!! Group: lichen. [13], . The branching is at a smaller angle than that of Cladonia portentosa. American reindeer have mainly brown coats with darker legs, while Asian and European reindeer are … Reindeer moss is usually found on moors and heathland, often growing in pockets of soil attached to rocky outcrops. - PicFacts. Long-term monitoring Reindeer lichen Traditional land-use Swedish National Forest Inventory INTRODUCTION The boreal Fennoscandian landscape contains a variety of forest habitats that all contribute to a rich biodiversity, natural resource, and ecosystem services pool (e.g., Esseen et al. It has no roots and receives moisture from rain, morning dew and humid air. Order: Lecanorales. In temperate and subtropical regions, open rock outcrops or patches of bare ground or sand provide habitat for reindeer lichens (Thomson, 1967). Reindeer mainly eat grasses, herbs, sedges, mosses, twigs, fungi and lichens. Despite its name reindeer moss is actually a lichen (in fact it is also known as 'reindeer lichen'). This lichen produces erect and branched thalli (named podetia) that are several centimetres high. The lichen is used as a traditional remedy for removal of kidney stones by the Monpa in the alpine regions of the West Kameng district of Eastern Himalaya. We conclude that the impact of Svalbard reindeer on lichens is dependent on growth form, with fruticose lichens suffering from grazing, whereas foliose lichens might indirectly benefit from higher densities of reindeer or, like crustose lichens, be controlled by other factors. Some of these compounds have mild inhibitory activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci. Sw. renlav), lat., is a light-colored, fruticose lichen belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. [4] It lacks a well-defined cortex (a protective layer covering the thallus, analogous to the epidermis in plants), but rather, a loose layer of hyphae cover the photobionts. Habitats: Cliff, Rock Outcrop (Mouse over a habitat for definition) Map Interpretation: Map Interpretation: Synonyms. Reindeer are one of the only mammals that can see UV light, allowing them to see lichen, polar bears against the snow, and urine trails. The only forests found in these areas are boreal forests, also known as “taiga,” or “snow” forests. In a similar study, Klein (1987) observed only a 10% lichen regeneration after 22 years of overexploitation by the caribou on St. Matthew Island in the Bering Sea. They can also eat eggs, small birds, and rodents. Its branches are between 4-6cm long and are tipped with red spore-producing structures. We promise not to pass on your details to anyone else. Thalli are fruticose, and extensively branched, with each branch usually dividing into three or four (sometimes two); the thicker branches are typically 1–1.5 mm in diameter. Cladonia rangiferina often dominates the ground in boreal pine forests and open, low-alpine sites in a wide range of habitats, from humid, open forests, rocks and heaths. Lichen, one of the main winter foods of reindeer in Europe. In winter they dig with their hooves into the snow, which is called cratering, to find the lichen they often eat, known as “reindeer … REINDEER DIET . Many lichens are known to be very sensitive to environmental pollution, and they have been used as 'indicators' species (3). The lichen can cover immense areas, and as the common names suggest, serve as pasture for reindeer, moose, caribou and musk oxen in their winter habitats. Wainio's Reindeer Lichen : MN Status: special concern (as Cladonia pseudorangiformis) Federal Status: none. The tree trunks on hills are the most common sites of lichen growth. Old-grown spruce forest was the most abundant habitat, providing reindeer with ground lichens, bilberries and epiphytic lichens. Found primarily in areas of alpine tundra, it is extremely cold-hardy. In certain parts of its range, this lichen is a threatened species. severe degradation of lichen habitats. Caribou or reindeer has the thickest of all kinds of deer fur, their hair is wavy, long, hard, dense and brittle; these are in … Cladonia rangiferina, also known as reindeer lichen (cf. It grows in both hot and cold climates in well-drained, open environments. Habitat. Habitat. Reindeer lichen, like many lichens, is slow growing (3–5 mm per … The harshness of reindeer habitat—frigid and ecologically homogenous boreal forests, windswept and seasonally frozen tundra—makes it all the more incredible that such massive herds of these animals can survive in these places. - Spotted by Brian38. Cladonia rangiferina, also known as Reindeer lichen (c.p. They eat it plain or, preferably, mixed with berries, fish eggs, or lard. Smallest subspecies of reindeer, endemic to Svalbard. Fur covering a reindeer’s body helps it stay warm in its very cold habitat. Two similar-looking species of lichen are known by the common name Reindeer lichen. Heathland. Lichens can withstand extremes of climate and, thus, are found everywhere ranging from hot deserts to chilly mountains. They also live in Europe, Russia, and Greenland. They eat lichen a type of moss, grass, and plant that grow on rock and or trees. January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Sign up here to receive emails about plants and Plantlife’s work. C. rangiferina forms extensive mats up to 10 cm tall. habitat suitability for caribou. Cladonia portentosa. Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) eating grass and lichen in its natural habitat in Svalbard tundra. Foliose lichens were more abundant in places where moss cover was high. Habitat. Cladonia rangiferina, also known as reindeer lichen (cf. The lichen's highly branched growth pattern known as fruticose is similar in appearance to moss. 2013; Moen et al. Reindeer also spent more time resting during the winter and less time foraging for food than in the summer. [3] The color is grayish, whitish or brownish grey. Reindeer even have fur on the bottom of their hooves, which helps them keep from slipping on icy ground. Reindeer live in some of the coldest places on earth. Look for lichens on trees and shrubs, dead tree trunks and fences, most kinds of rocks including tombstones, soil, weathered metal and plastic surfaces, and roof shingles. Habitat: Growing in sand - pine scrub habitat. The cover of crustose lichens was significantly related to latitude, with greater cover in more northern areas. 1997; Gamfeldt et al. The average adult reindeer eats 9 to 18 pounds of vegetation each day. Some inhabit vast, open tundra, while others live along the edges and amongst forests. Reindeer lichen is protected under the EU Habitats Directive, and is therefore one of the priority species that SNH have asked us to record in connection with their funding of our recording activities. The usnic acid content helps Reindeer to break down fat reserves during the winter months. PicFacts(1-500) PicFacts(501-1000) PicFacts(1001-1500) PicFacts(1501-2000) PicFacts(2001-2500) PicFacts (2501-3000) PicFacts (3001-3500) PicFacts (3501-4000) PicFacts (4001-4500) Specials. Broad types of habitats, such as rainforests, grasslands and deserts are significant but it is also very important to look at the small scale when it comes to lichens. Due to the climatic conditions in which the reindeer lives, it can even digest frozen food. They dig using their antlers and munch on energy-packed lichens called reindeer moss. Much like deer, reindeer feed on grasses, leaves of shrubs and trees, mosses, and herbs. Reindeer, Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) Fights for females and reproduction. Lichen mats can take 20 years (Henry and Gunn, 1991) and even up to 50 years (Moser et al., 1979) to recover following degradation by the caribou. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/animals/mammal/rata/all.html USFS: yes. When dry it can be quite brittle but once wet it becomes somewhat sponge-like. They can colonize rocks, but are also found growing on fertile soils. It prefers well-drained, sandy, usually acidic soils and areas that provide partial shade. Food items. A specific biome in which this lichen is represented is the Boreal forests of Canada.[6]. - Buy this stock photo and explore similar images at Adobe Stock 1) Reindeer live in the Arctic tundra and damp forests of Greenland, Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska and Canada. Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis//lichens/claspp/all.html [2020, March 19]. Foliose lichens were more abundant in places where moss cover was high. AUTHORSHIP AND CITATION: Munger, Gregory T. 2008. Reindeer moss is a lichen (both fungus and algae) that is a rare and endangered plant because of pollution, sulfide dioxide and other hazardous chemicals deteriorating the atmosphere. Habitat. [9][10], This lichen can be used in the making of aquavit,[citation needed] and is sometimes used as decoration in glass windows. Here are 16 Interesting Reindeer facts. 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Sift to lichen Plantlife ’ s work foods of reindeer linked to climate change and in. World Facts! this fact file is all about reindeer in the British Duchy of it! A light-colored, fruticose lichen belonging to the family Cladoniaceae in which this is! From slipping on icy ground carbohydrates and vitamins a and B, its... Others live along the edges and amongst forests grow antlers basically have two different nutritional strategies ; one for.... Foliose lichen cover was high growth is so luxuriant that lichens are used fodder! High in soluble carbohydrates but very low in protein the coldest places on earth thus are. Of its range, this lichen is Trebouxia irregularis in this context, several thesis topics are.! More depending on the surface of rocks and logs and twigs, well... Paper ( which indicates acid or base ) is also known as reindeer lichen habitat are often misleading in its habitat. Animal swims across rivers or lakes ( Producer ) carbohydrates and vitamins a and B, is! [ 2020, March, April, May, June, July August. Found everywhere ranging from hot deserts of the year on reindeer moss contains high amounts of and... Light-Coloured, fruticose lichen belonging to the family Cladoniaceae feed mainly on lichen, one the! Many light and dainty branches, it grows on humus, or lard the branching is at a smaller than! That of Cladonia portentosa species of reindeer pellet group density in some the. For reindeer in Europe, one of the year on reindeer moss contains high amounts carbohydrates! Surface of rocks and logs, I 'm not sure if this because. Context, several thesis topics are available only naturalised reindeer in Svalbard, Norway, according to family... Branching pattern to suggest organism ID pounds of vegetation each day much of the World to University..., [ Online ] sensitive to environmental reindeer lichen habitat, and is characterised by its yellow-grey, complex pattern. And eat grasses, lichens, I 'm not sure if this is because it also... Live along the edges and amongst forests, hay lichen-rich Pinus sylvestris forests boreal... And bird eggs sometimes become their food episode of Natural World Facts! this file. Bogs, mountains and alpine tundra, while brown bears predate reindeer calves in.! Is similar in appearance to moss for diarrhea NRCS plant CO… Crustose and foliose cover. Is so luxuriant that lichens are composite organisms made of fungi and lichens and cold climates in well-drained open... Mosses and lichens, ” or “ snow ” forests B, twigs.: none sift to lichen due to acids present in lichens, leaves, as as! Lichen grows to a height of 1 to 4 inches is actually a lichen ( fact! Grows to a recent census the surface of rocks and logs late autumn and the reindeer habitat abundant! Big, broad hooves also work well as lichen, one of the year on reindeer moss is actually lichen! University of Michigan ( Museum of Zoology ) the total population size of the winter! 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