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This illustration depicts an old-growth hemlock forest set atop unique karst topography. A firefly illuminates the nocturnal scene, revealing five owl species native to Nova Scotia, along with a variety of moths. Eastern Hemlock is the province’s longest-living and most shade-tolerant conifer. The ecosystem also supports many rare plants, including the Yellow Lady’s Slipper and the endangered Ram’s-head Lady’s Slipper. Karst formations also provide a range of microhabitats—for example, caves serve as critical bat hibernacula and are frequently used by porcupines.