Brotherella roellii is an Endangered moss species endemic to Canada, found only in the lowland riparian forests of southern British Columbia. Once present in the United States, it is now believed to be extirpated from its former American range, making its Canadian populations especially important. In Canada, it is known to occur in Howe Sound, the Lower Mainland, and the Fraser Valley.
A recent rediscovery by University of Alberta PhD student Andrew Simon at Cheakamus Centre confirmed Brotherella roellii is still present at a site where it was first recorded in 1916 and last seen in 2006. Currently completing his research in the Spribille Lab at the University of Alberta, Andrew’s research focuses on the environmental conditions that support rare mosses such as Brotherella roellii.
A preliminary assessment suggests the
Brotherella roellii population located at Cheakamus Centre is healthy and possibly one of the most robust in the Howe Sound region, offering hope for its continued survival.
The moss is likely extirpated from at least one historical site in Squamish, underscoring the importance of protected habitats like those at Cheakamus Centre. As development fragments natural ecosystems, these refuges become critical for species like Brotherella roellii, which depend on shaded, moist environments and may be vulnerable to climate change.
Andrew's current research focuses on the abiotic conditions that support this moss, aiming to understand what limits its distribution. He and his team are also exploring ways to integrate this work into educational programming at Cheakamus Centre, helping to raise awareness about the region’s unique biodiversity and the importance of conservation.
About the researcher: Andrew Simon is a PhD student in the Spribille Lab at the University of Alberta currently studying the environmental conditions that support rare mosses. His connection to the Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound region began at Quest University, where he launched Biodiversity Galiano. He later supported the Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biodiversity Project and now contributes to the Squamish Environment Society’s Wildlife Connectivity Project.
