Species at Risk

Mingan Thistle

Why protect the Migan Thistle?

The thistle can be found exclusively in the MANPRC area, and its closest relatives are several thousand kilometers away. Moreover, genetic analyses have shown that the Mingan thistle in the MANPRC has evolved in a distinct way from those found in Western Canada. The small number of plants and insufficient growth rate of colonies make this species vulnerable. No data are currently available concerning its role and interaction in the ecosystem. This native species also has a cultural and historical value for the region and has interested many botanists.

What is Parks Canada doing to protect the Mingan Thistle?

Monitoring of populations

Since 1995, each Mingan thistle plant is counted, identified, measured and mapped on an annual basis. Census data have shown that between 1995 and 2005 the 9 Mingan thistle colonies each had between 1 and 470 plants. In addition, the data were analyzed to establish a few parameters (population dynamics, flowering age, etc.)

Re-establishment

Thanks to the ESRF, a re-establishment program was launched in 2001 to increase the number of plants in the most vulnerable colonies. After pollination, nets are set up around the flowers to collect the seeds. These are then counted and sown in their native colony, with or without a protective screen, or scattered on a suitable growth medium. The project is working well but the lack of flowering plants in some colonies has delayed attainment of the main objectives. In all, some 600 seedlings developed from some 1900 seeds sown and scattered in the park. Moreover, 444 individual plants grown from these seeds were still present in 2005.

Education

A project such as this requires the collaboration of park users. Steps have therefore been taken to inform people about and make them aware of the Mingan thistle. Here are the most important steps taken:

For Mingan region residents:

• Conference at the Les Flores
• Alliés de la Minganie horticultural society
• Involvement of local residents in field work
• Press releases to the community television station
• Information leaflet in the mail
• Summary of work published in the park newsletter

For students at the Lestrat School:

• Presentation made in each class (3rd grade to 6th grade)
• Sowing in the experimental garden and monitoring of rosette formation with members of the school gardening club

For the general public:

• Presentation of the project
• Production of an educational leaflet and bookmark
• Meeting with representatives from the tourism industry
• Installation of markers and panels around certain colonies
• Establishment of a colony and interpretation panel at the marina
• Production of a poster

These initiatives helped develop local residents’ interest in helping out.