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South Avalon–Burin oceanic barrens

South Avalon-Burin oceanic barrens is a taiga ecoregion located within the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the French overseas collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. It is defined by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) categorization system as inhabiting the southern headlands of the Avalon and Burin Peninsulas along the southeastern coast of Newfoundland.[2]

South Avalon-Burin oceanic barrens
Oceanic barrens near Trepassey
Ecoregion territory (in green, arrow pointing upper right)
Ecology
RealmNearctic
BiomeBoreal forests/taiga
BordersEastern Canadian forests
Bird species111 [1]
Mammal species7 [1]
Geography
Area2,072 km2 (800 sq mi)
CountriesCanada and France
SubdivisionsNewfoundland and Labrador
Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France)
Climate typeSubarctic (Dfc) and subpolar oceanic (Cfc)
Conservation
Conservation statusRelatively Stable/Intact[2]
Habitat loss0%[1]
Protected5.41%[1]

Climate

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This ecoregion features a predominantly subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) with cold winters and cool, foggy summers. The area around Mistaken Point features a milder subpolar oceanic climate (Köppen Cfc) with relatively mild winters and cool summers. Precipitation occurs year-round, with a mean annual precipitation between 1200 and 1500 mm.[2]

Ecology

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See also: Barren vegetation § Coastal barrens
 
Dwarf balsam fir and low-growing ericaceous shrubs on Saint Pierre Island

Flora

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This ecoregion supports dense carpets of moss and fruticose lichen, along with low-growing ericaceous shrubs and wildflowers. Small communities of dwarf balsam fir can be found in some upland regions.[2]

The moss-heath plant associations of this ecoregion, dominated by blanket bogs and Racomitrium heath, are unique in North America. Its closest affinities found in the oceanic climates of Iceland and northern Scotland.[2]

Fauna

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Characteristic wildlife include caribou, willow ptarmigan, Atlantic puffin, and variety of seabird species. Cape St. Mary's hosts one of the world's largest colonies of northern gannet.[2]

Conservation

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Despite being underrepresented, about 95% of this ecoregion remains ecologically intact. Some notable protected areas include Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, Chance Cove Provincial Park, and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "The Atlas of Global Conservation". maps.tnc.org. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "South Avalon-Burin oceanic barrens | Ecoregions | WWF". World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
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