Species at Risk

Seaside Centipede Lichen

The seaside centipede lichen has tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that resemble the legs of a centipede.

How can I help?

Realize that everything is interconnected, that even the smallest part of an ecosystem has a part to play. A principle of the local Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations is "Hishuk-ish ts'walk" or "everything is one and interconnected"

If you are visiting Pacific Rim National Park Reserve:

• do not collect branches for firewood; and
   
• take care when hanging food in bear bags in trees along the West Coast Trail. Use tree branches that have been used before rather than risk disturbing lichen on another branch. Don't use spruce trees.

At home:

• reduce your contributions to global warming, since the seaside centipede lichen depends on a cool, moist, temperate climate.

Related Links

To learn more about Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and seaside centipede lichen, visit these Web sites:

• Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada
• Environment Canada's Species at Risk Web site-Seaside Centipede Lichen