Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute
@abbiodiversity.bsky.social
The ABMI is a global leader in biodiversity monitoring. We tell the factual story of Alberta’s wildlife & ecosystems through high quality data & information.
🎵 On the eighth day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Eight Golden Bog moss🎶
Golden bog moss (Tomentypnum nitens) grows in fens across Alberta. Brown fuzz (tomentum) can be seen growing along its stem like a cozy sweater—though this moss uses it to hold moisture, not stay warm!
Eight Golden Bog moss🎶
Golden bog moss (Tomentypnum nitens) grows in fens across Alberta. Brown fuzz (tomentum) can be seen growing along its stem like a cozy sweater—though this moss uses it to hold moisture, not stay warm!
December 8, 2025 at 4:40 PM
🎵 On the eighth day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Eight Golden Bog moss🎶
Golden bog moss (Tomentypnum nitens) grows in fens across Alberta. Brown fuzz (tomentum) can be seen growing along its stem like a cozy sweater—though this moss uses it to hold moisture, not stay warm!
Eight Golden Bog moss🎶
Golden bog moss (Tomentypnum nitens) grows in fens across Alberta. Brown fuzz (tomentum) can be seen growing along its stem like a cozy sweater—though this moss uses it to hold moisture, not stay warm!
🎵 On the seventh day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Seven Reindeer lichens 🎶
Reindeer lichens (Cladonia spp.) are prevalent in many of our open sunny habitats and can serve as food for our caribou. A great snack for Rudolph and his friends when they drop in!
Seven Reindeer lichens 🎶
Reindeer lichens (Cladonia spp.) are prevalent in many of our open sunny habitats and can serve as food for our caribou. A great snack for Rudolph and his friends when they drop in!
December 8, 2025 at 2:57 AM
🎵 On the seventh day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Seven Reindeer lichens 🎶
Reindeer lichens (Cladonia spp.) are prevalent in many of our open sunny habitats and can serve as food for our caribou. A great snack for Rudolph and his friends when they drop in!
Seven Reindeer lichens 🎶
Reindeer lichens (Cladonia spp.) are prevalent in many of our open sunny habitats and can serve as food for our caribou. A great snack for Rudolph and his friends when they drop in!
🎵 On the sixth day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Six frilly Fringeworts 🎶
Though they look like a feathery moss, Fringeworts (Ptilidium spp) are actually liverworts. Each leaf is like a tiny little holiday tree with ‘cilia’ or branches coming off from all sides.
Six frilly Fringeworts 🎶
Though they look like a feathery moss, Fringeworts (Ptilidium spp) are actually liverworts. Each leaf is like a tiny little holiday tree with ‘cilia’ or branches coming off from all sides.
December 7, 2025 at 3:01 AM
🎵 On the sixth day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Six frilly Fringeworts 🎶
Though they look like a feathery moss, Fringeworts (Ptilidium spp) are actually liverworts. Each leaf is like a tiny little holiday tree with ‘cilia’ or branches coming off from all sides.
Six frilly Fringeworts 🎶
Though they look like a feathery moss, Fringeworts (Ptilidium spp) are actually liverworts. Each leaf is like a tiny little holiday tree with ‘cilia’ or branches coming off from all sides.
🎵 On the fifth day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Five Old Man's Beard 🎶
Beard lichens (Usnea spp.) are one of the most commercially important lichens owing to a chemical component (usnic acid) which has antibiotic capabilities.
Five Old Man's Beard 🎶
Beard lichens (Usnea spp.) are one of the most commercially important lichens owing to a chemical component (usnic acid) which has antibiotic capabilities.
December 5, 2025 at 8:05 PM
🎵 On the fifth day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Five Old Man's Beard 🎶
Beard lichens (Usnea spp.) are one of the most commercially important lichens owing to a chemical component (usnic acid) which has antibiotic capabilities.
Five Old Man's Beard 🎶
Beard lichens (Usnea spp.) are one of the most commercially important lichens owing to a chemical component (usnic acid) which has antibiotic capabilities.
#DYK that we have orchids growing natively here in Alberta? Venus' Slipper (Calypso bulbosa), also known as Fairy Slippers, is a bright pinky-purple #orchid variety found in the sheltered areas of forest floors.
📸 Photo by Kirstan Tereschyn
#FabPhotoFriday #AlbertaFlowers
📸 Photo by Kirstan Tereschyn
#FabPhotoFriday #AlbertaFlowers
December 5, 2025 at 8:00 PM
#DYK that we have orchids growing natively here in Alberta? Venus' Slipper (Calypso bulbosa), also known as Fairy Slippers, is a bright pinky-purple #orchid variety found in the sheltered areas of forest floors.
📸 Photo by Kirstan Tereschyn
#FabPhotoFriday #AlbertaFlowers
📸 Photo by Kirstan Tereschyn
#FabPhotoFriday #AlbertaFlowers
🎵 On the fourth day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Four Big Red Stems 🎶
Big Red Stem moss (Pleurozium schreberi) showcases holiday colours of emerald green and hints of ruby red.
Four Big Red Stems 🎶
Big Red Stem moss (Pleurozium schreberi) showcases holiday colours of emerald green and hints of ruby red.
December 4, 2025 at 8:57 PM
🎵 On the fourth day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Four Big Red Stems 🎶
Big Red Stem moss (Pleurozium schreberi) showcases holiday colours of emerald green and hints of ruby red.
Four Big Red Stems 🎶
Big Red Stem moss (Pleurozium schreberi) showcases holiday colours of emerald green and hints of ruby red.
🎵 On the third day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Three Lungworts 🎶
Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria) is a lettuce-like lichen and is used as an indicator of good air quality in our natural areas.
Three Lungworts 🎶
Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria) is a lettuce-like lichen and is used as an indicator of good air quality in our natural areas.
December 3, 2025 at 9:44 PM
🎵 On the third day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Three Lungworts 🎶
Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria) is a lettuce-like lichen and is used as an indicator of good air quality in our natural areas.
Three Lungworts 🎶
Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria) is a lettuce-like lichen and is used as an indicator of good air quality in our natural areas.
🎵 On the second day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Two Red Dung moss🎶
This cute moss (Splachnum rubrum) showcases vibrant red umbrella-like sporophytes and grows primarily on moose scat!
Two Red Dung moss🎶
This cute moss (Splachnum rubrum) showcases vibrant red umbrella-like sporophytes and grows primarily on moose scat!
December 2, 2025 at 8:19 PM
🎵 On the second day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
Two Red Dung moss🎶
This cute moss (Splachnum rubrum) showcases vibrant red umbrella-like sporophytes and grows primarily on moose scat!
Two Red Dung moss🎶
This cute moss (Splachnum rubrum) showcases vibrant red umbrella-like sporophytes and grows primarily on moose scat!
Cougar on the prowl! Although Cougars (Puma concolor) are most at home in the mountains, the ABMI has detected Cougars in every Natural Region in Alberta except for the Canadian Shield!
Have you ever spotted one in the wild?
#CameraTrapTuesday #Cougar #AlbertaWildlife
Have you ever spotted one in the wild?
#CameraTrapTuesday #Cougar #AlbertaWildlife
December 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Cougar on the prowl! Although Cougars (Puma concolor) are most at home in the mountains, the ABMI has detected Cougars in every Natural Region in Alberta except for the Canadian Shield!
Have you ever spotted one in the wild?
#CameraTrapTuesday #Cougar #AlbertaWildlife
Have you ever spotted one in the wild?
#CameraTrapTuesday #Cougar #AlbertaWildlife
🎵 On the first day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
A wolf lichen in a pine tree. 🎶
#DYK that Wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina) are bright yellow lichens that were once used to poison wolves that preyed on livestock?
A wolf lichen in a pine tree. 🎶
#DYK that Wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina) are bright yellow lichens that were once used to poison wolves that preyed on livestock?
December 2, 2025 at 12:07 AM
🎵 On the first day of December, what Cryptogam do I see?
A wolf lichen in a pine tree. 🎶
#DYK that Wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina) are bright yellow lichens that were once used to poison wolves that preyed on livestock?
A wolf lichen in a pine tree. 🎶
#DYK that Wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina) are bright yellow lichens that were once used to poison wolves that preyed on livestock?
Here's a Black Bear cub for Black Friday! 🐻 This little one has the right idea for how to avoid crowds today.
📸 Photo by Adam Sprott
#FabPhotoFriday #BlackFriday #BlackBear #AlbertaWildlife
📸 Photo by Adam Sprott
#FabPhotoFriday #BlackFriday #BlackBear #AlbertaWildlife
November 28, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Here's a Black Bear cub for Black Friday! 🐻 This little one has the right idea for how to avoid crowds today.
📸 Photo by Adam Sprott
#FabPhotoFriday #BlackFriday #BlackBear #AlbertaWildlife
📸 Photo by Adam Sprott
#FabPhotoFriday #BlackFriday #BlackBear #AlbertaWildlife
POV: You’re interrupting a secret 4 am meeting for Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) 🦌
#CameraTrapTuesday #NocturnalWildlife #MuleDeer #NatureAtNight
#CameraTrapTuesday #NocturnalWildlife #MuleDeer #NatureAtNight
November 25, 2025 at 4:01 PM
POV: You’re interrupting a secret 4 am meeting for Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) 🦌
#CameraTrapTuesday #NocturnalWildlife #MuleDeer #NatureAtNight
#CameraTrapTuesday #NocturnalWildlife #MuleDeer #NatureAtNight
Wetlands at sunset are truly dreamy 🌾
#DYK that around 21% of Alberta is covered by wetlands? Explore our Wetland Atlas of Alberta for information on wetland ecosystems in Alberta.
Dive in here: https://ow.ly/Z8L050XtQNB
📸 Photo by Victoria Dennis
#FabPhotoFriday #Wetlands #NaturePhotography
#DYK that around 21% of Alberta is covered by wetlands? Explore our Wetland Atlas of Alberta for information on wetland ecosystems in Alberta.
Dive in here: https://ow.ly/Z8L050XtQNB
📸 Photo by Victoria Dennis
#FabPhotoFriday #Wetlands #NaturePhotography
November 21, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Wetlands at sunset are truly dreamy 🌾
#DYK that around 21% of Alberta is covered by wetlands? Explore our Wetland Atlas of Alberta for information on wetland ecosystems in Alberta.
Dive in here: https://ow.ly/Z8L050XtQNB
📸 Photo by Victoria Dennis
#FabPhotoFriday #Wetlands #NaturePhotography
#DYK that around 21% of Alberta is covered by wetlands? Explore our Wetland Atlas of Alberta for information on wetland ecosystems in Alberta.
Dive in here: https://ow.ly/Z8L050XtQNB
📸 Photo by Victoria Dennis
#FabPhotoFriday #Wetlands #NaturePhotography
Check out this close-up! The Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) is an ambush hunter with precise hearing and laser-sharp eyesight that can spot prey almost a football field away!
#CameraTrapTuesday #CanadaLynx #ABWildlife
#CameraTrapTuesday #CanadaLynx #ABWildlife
November 18, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Check out this close-up! The Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) is an ambush hunter with precise hearing and laser-sharp eyesight that can spot prey almost a football field away!
#CameraTrapTuesday #CanadaLynx #ABWildlife
#CameraTrapTuesday #CanadaLynx #ABWildlife
For today’s #FabPhotoFriday we’re showing off this gorgeous shot of a Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus). Although their ears are short, they still have impeccable hearing to detect their prey.
📸 Photo by Tony Campbell
#BirdsofAlberta #Owl #AlbertaWildlife
📸 Photo by Tony Campbell
#BirdsofAlberta #Owl #AlbertaWildlife
November 14, 2025 at 5:01 PM
For today’s #FabPhotoFriday we’re showing off this gorgeous shot of a Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus). Although their ears are short, they still have impeccable hearing to detect their prey.
📸 Photo by Tony Campbell
#BirdsofAlberta #Owl #AlbertaWildlife
📸 Photo by Tony Campbell
#BirdsofAlberta #Owl #AlbertaWildlife
13 new fungi species have been discovered right here in Alberta’s forests! 🍄
Check out this Global News feature with Diane Haughland (University of Alberta), highlighting exciting discoveries from research in collaboration with the ABMI:
https://ow.ly/ThPn50Xrg96
#Mycology #ForestEcology #Lichen
Check out this Global News feature with Diane Haughland (University of Alberta), highlighting exciting discoveries from research in collaboration with the ABMI:
https://ow.ly/ThPn50Xrg96
#Mycology #ForestEcology #Lichen
November 13, 2025 at 5:57 PM
13 new fungi species have been discovered right here in Alberta’s forests! 🍄
Check out this Global News feature with Diane Haughland (University of Alberta), highlighting exciting discoveries from research in collaboration with the ABMI:
https://ow.ly/ThPn50Xrg96
#Mycology #ForestEcology #Lichen
Check out this Global News feature with Diane Haughland (University of Alberta), highlighting exciting discoveries from research in collaboration with the ABMI:
https://ow.ly/ThPn50Xrg96
#Mycology #ForestEcology #Lichen
Bison on the move! 🦬
This #CameraTrapTuesday capture shows a couple of Bison (Bison bison) moving through a regenerating forest. Just one example of how Alberta’s landscapes are constantly changing and full of life.
#CameraTrapTuesday #Bison #ABWildlife
This #CameraTrapTuesday capture shows a couple of Bison (Bison bison) moving through a regenerating forest. Just one example of how Alberta’s landscapes are constantly changing and full of life.
#CameraTrapTuesday #Bison #ABWildlife
November 11, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Bison on the move! 🦬
This #CameraTrapTuesday capture shows a couple of Bison (Bison bison) moving through a regenerating forest. Just one example of how Alberta’s landscapes are constantly changing and full of life.
#CameraTrapTuesday #Bison #ABWildlife
This #CameraTrapTuesday capture shows a couple of Bison (Bison bison) moving through a regenerating forest. Just one example of how Alberta’s landscapes are constantly changing and full of life.
#CameraTrapTuesday #Bison #ABWildlife
Today, on Remembrance Day, we pause to remember the courage of those whose dedication and sacrifice helped shape the world we share ❤️
📸 Photo by Hedwig Lankau
#RemembranceDay
📸 Photo by Hedwig Lankau
#RemembranceDay
November 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Today, on Remembrance Day, we pause to remember the courage of those whose dedication and sacrifice helped shape the world we share ❤️
📸 Photo by Hedwig Lankau
#RemembranceDay
📸 Photo by Hedwig Lankau
#RemembranceDay
This Polar Sunburst Lichen (Xanthomendoza hasseana) adds a bright pop of colour to Alberta’s landscapes. Lichens like this one are partnerships between fungi and algae (or cyanobacteria) living together. A great example of teamwork in nature 🤝
📸 Photo by Diane Haughland
📸 Photo by Diane Haughland
November 7, 2025 at 5:01 PM
This Polar Sunburst Lichen (Xanthomendoza hasseana) adds a bright pop of colour to Alberta’s landscapes. Lichens like this one are partnerships between fungi and algae (or cyanobacteria) living together. A great example of teamwork in nature 🤝
📸 Photo by Diane Haughland
📸 Photo by Diane Haughland
This week, four of us from the ABMI attended the #GoGeomatics Expo 2025—an excellent opportunity to connect with industry professionals, explore emerging #geospatial technologies, and discuss ideas and collaborations to support our current and future projects.
November 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM
This week, four of us from the ABMI attended the #GoGeomatics Expo 2025—an excellent opportunity to connect with industry professionals, explore emerging #geospatial technologies, and discuss ideas and collaborations to support our current and future projects.
📢 Under today's Full Beaver Supermoon, we welcome the newest chapter of Wetland Atlas of Alberta: 4.5 The Ecological Role of Beavers in Alberta's Wetlands 🦫
Visit The Wetland Atlas of Alberta to read more: https://ow.ly/mNyZ50Xm8bB
#WetlandAtlas #Wetlands #Alberta #ABMIatWork #AlbertaWildlife
Visit The Wetland Atlas of Alberta to read more: https://ow.ly/mNyZ50Xm8bB
#WetlandAtlas #Wetlands #Alberta #ABMIatWork #AlbertaWildlife
November 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
📢 Under today's Full Beaver Supermoon, we welcome the newest chapter of Wetland Atlas of Alberta: 4.5 The Ecological Role of Beavers in Alberta's Wetlands 🦫
Visit The Wetland Atlas of Alberta to read more: https://ow.ly/mNyZ50Xm8bB
#WetlandAtlas #Wetlands #Alberta #ABMIatWork #AlbertaWildlife
Visit The Wetland Atlas of Alberta to read more: https://ow.ly/mNyZ50Xm8bB
#WetlandAtlas #Wetlands #Alberta #ABMIatWork #AlbertaWildlife
Check out this CBC story on a project we’re part of with the Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee and the University of Alberta. The study looks at how oil sands noise might affect hunters calling moose, supported by Alberta’s Oil Sands Monitoring Program.
🔗 https://ow.ly/W8uE50XmGV9
🔗 https://ow.ly/W8uE50XmGV9
November 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Check out this CBC story on a project we’re part of with the Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee and the University of Alberta. The study looks at how oil sands noise might affect hunters calling moose, supported by Alberta’s Oil Sands Monitoring Program.
🔗 https://ow.ly/W8uE50XmGV9
🔗 https://ow.ly/W8uE50XmGV9
This is your bear-y important reminder to take a stretch break! 🐻
#CameraTrapTuesday #ABWildlife #Bear
#CameraTrapTuesday #ABWildlife #Bear
November 4, 2025 at 5:01 PM
This is your bear-y important reminder to take a stretch break! 🐻
#CameraTrapTuesday #ABWildlife #Bear
#CameraTrapTuesday #ABWildlife #Bear
Bear cubs always seem to have so much fun with our equipment...
#CameraTrapTuesday
#CameraTrapTuesday
February 26, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Bear cubs always seem to have so much fun with our equipment...
#CameraTrapTuesday
#CameraTrapTuesday
Seirophora contortuplicata or Crannied Orangebush Lichen.
📷 Diane Haughland
If you're interested in learning about Alberta's lichen species, check out Diane's 2021 webinar on our YouTube channel:#FabPhotoFriday
ow.ly/oFhz50LRNza
📷 Diane Haughland
If you're interested in learning about Alberta's lichen species, check out Diane's 2021 webinar on our YouTube channel:#FabPhotoFriday
ow.ly/oFhz50LRNza
February 26, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Seirophora contortuplicata or Crannied Orangebush Lichen.
📷 Diane Haughland
If you're interested in learning about Alberta's lichen species, check out Diane's 2021 webinar on our YouTube channel:#FabPhotoFriday
ow.ly/oFhz50LRNza
📷 Diane Haughland
If you're interested in learning about Alberta's lichen species, check out Diane's 2021 webinar on our YouTube channel:#FabPhotoFriday
ow.ly/oFhz50LRNza