1999/01/01 by R. D. Seppelt, Seppelt, R. D., T. G. A. Green +3
Environmental Science · Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Polar Research and Ecology #Marine and coastal plant biology #Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
paper · pdf · doi:10.2312/polarforschung.66.1-2.53
Beaufort Island, Ross Sea, Antarctica, is a Specially Proteeted Area originally designated on account of, and still supporting, a srnall winter sea ice breeding colony of Emperor penguins, a large summer breeding colony of Adelie penguins, and several colonies of Skuas.A substantial area of moss, approximately 2.5 ha and probably the largest continuous patch of moss in the McMurdo region, has now been discovered and found to be almest entirely composed of BI'lIl1l subrotundifoliuni Jaeg.(= B. argenteuni Hedw.).No lichens were found although many parts of the island are impassible due to steep cliffs.This contrasts strongly with the much more complex vegetation at Botany Bay, Granite Harbour, which is at an almost identical latitude (around 77 S) but where seven mosses, one hepatic and over thirty species of lichens have been reported.Genetic analysis of Beaufort Island m05S populations using RAPD procedures revealed a rnixture of genotypes which could be divided into two groups that are related to populations at Cape Bird and Cape Royds on Ross Tsland and to coastal populations of the Dry Valleys.This suggests at least two introductions of moss to the island followed by considerable mixing, both processes probably being accomplished by the large skua population.Continued specially reserved status is warranted, as much for the vegetation as for the bird life.