Stand openness predicts hair lichen (Bryoria) abundance in the lower canopy, with implications for the conservation of Canada’s critically imperiled Deep-Snow Mountain Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) DOI Creative Commons

Trevor Goward,

Yngvar Gauslaa, Curtis R. Björk

et al.

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 520, P. 120416 - 120416

Published: July 12, 2022

Tree-dwelling hair lichens in the genus Bryoria provide crucial late-winter forage for Deep-Snow Mountain Caribou (DSC), an imperiled ungulate endemic to south-central British Columbia, Canada. Because DSC survival requires continuous access heavy lichen loadings, conservation efforts can benefit from improved understanding of factors that contribute such loadings. Here we quantify relation abundance stand spacing by testing "Angle-To-Canopy-Skyline" (ATCS) protocol as a measure openness and proxy ventilation. Fieldwork conducted 60-year-old conifer forests on 250-m conical volcano within range yielded three principal findings: (1) strongly increases with increasing openness; (2) Pinus contorta supports much heavier loadings than other local host trees; (3) ATCS is powerful predictor arboreal general across wide environmental settings, but does not predict foliose lichens. We suggest canopy openness, at least DSC, complements age key factor development consistent hypothesis benefits rapid drying after rain. The possibility anomalously high may hold promise accelerated habitat restoration following clearcut logging explored rejected.

Language: Английский

Running to stand still: The application of substandard OECMs in national and provincial policy in Canada DOI
Christopher J. Lemieux, Daniel Kraus, Karen Beazley

et al.

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 275, P. 109780 - 109780

Published: Oct. 19, 2022

Language: Английский

Citations

12
Native prey, not landscape change or novel prey, drive cougar (Puma concolor) distribution at a boreal forest range edge DOI Creative Commons
Millicent V. Gaston, Andrew F. Barnas, Rebecca M Smith

et al.

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(4)

Published: April 1, 2024

Abstract Many large carnivores, despite widespread habitat alteration, are rebounding in parts of their former ranges after decades persecution and exploitation. Cougars ( Puma concolor ) apex predator with remaining northern core range constricted to mountain landscapes areas western North America; however, cougar populations have recently started several locations across America, including northward boreal forest landscapes. A camera‐trap survey multiple Alberta, Canada, delineated a edge; within this region, we deployed an array 47 camera traps random stratified design landscape spanning gradient anthropogenic development relative the predicted expansion front. We completed hypotheses information‐theoretic framework determine if occurrence is best explained by natural land cover features, or competitor prey activity. that features from resource extraction invading white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virgianius explain distribution at edge. Counter our predictions, activity native prey, predominantly snowshoe hare Lepus americanus ), was predictor Small‐bodied items particularly important for female sub‐adult cougars may support breeding individuals northeast forest. Also, counter there not strong relationship detected between gray wolf Canis lupus However, further investigation recommended as possibility into multi‐prey system, where wolves been controlled, could negative consequences conservation goals region (e.g. recovery woodland caribou [ Rangifer tarandus ]). Our study highlights need monitor contemporary distributions inform management objectives carnivores recover America.

Language: Английский

Citations

2
Grey wolves (Canis lupus) shift selection of anthropogenic landscape features following predator control in the Nearctic boreal forest DOI Creative Commons

Katherine Baillie‐David,

John P. Volpe, A. Cole Burton

et al.

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 296, P. 110677 - 110677

Published: June 15, 2024

Language: Английский

Citations

2
Where to begin? A flexible framework to prioritize caribou habitat restoration DOI
Melanie Dickie,

Caroline Bampfylde,

Thomas J. Habib

et al.

Restoration Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 31(5)

Published: Jan. 24, 2023

Habitat loss is a leading threat to many species at risk, and as such, the need for habitat restoration widespread. In boreal forests of Western Canada, key management action needed achieve self‐sustaining populations woodland caribou, federally threatened in decline. Hundreds thousands kilometers linear features were created during exploration or extraction oil gas that are no longer used, yet natural regeneration remains stagnated. Only fraction these restored each year, sparking managers prioritize efforts. We developed an algorithm demonstrate how it can be used predict monitor progress towards goals. Our approach based on idea maximizing gain unaltered caribou per unit cost, while allowing inclusion different goals, costs, weighting criteria. ranked landscape units into five zones priority. The largest occurred following highest priority zones, with diminishing returns proceeded. None ranges reached targets when not considering within energy project boundaries, even after all candidate restored. results highlight ambitious, coordinated restoration, improved land‐use planning minimize alteration range. flexibility our by applying framework case study mountain ecosystem.

Language: Английский

Citations

6
Stand openness predicts hair lichen (Bryoria) abundance in the lower canopy, with implications for the conservation of Canada’s critically imperiled Deep-Snow Mountain Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) DOI Creative Commons

Trevor Goward,

Yngvar Gauslaa, Curtis R. Björk

et al.

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 520, P. 120416 - 120416

Published: July 12, 2022

Tree-dwelling hair lichens in the genus Bryoria provide crucial late-winter forage for Deep-Snow Mountain Caribou (DSC), an imperiled ungulate endemic to south-central British Columbia, Canada. Because DSC survival requires continuous access heavy lichen loadings, conservation efforts can benefit from improved understanding of factors that contribute such loadings. Here we quantify relation abundance stand spacing by testing "Angle-To-Canopy-Skyline" (ATCS) protocol as a measure openness and proxy ventilation. Fieldwork conducted 60-year-old conifer forests on 250-m conical volcano within range yielded three principal findings: (1) strongly increases with increasing openness; (2) Pinus contorta supports much heavier loadings than other local host trees; (3) ATCS is powerful predictor arboreal general across wide environmental settings, but does not predict foliose lichens. We suggest canopy openness, at least DSC, complements age key factor development consistent hypothesis benefits rapid drying after rain. The possibility anomalously high may hold promise accelerated habitat restoration following clearcut logging explored rejected.

Language: Английский

Citations

9