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Stoneflies (Insecta; Plecoptera) in small upland streams in the Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia: Diversity and responses to forest harvest practises Jeffrey B. Ogden, MSc candidate Mount Allison University
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Project Objectives 1.Baseline information: Boreal highland stonefly biodiversity. 2. Relate to forest practice & stream characteristics.
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Hypothes Expect new species records for Nova Scotia. Stream systems most recently affected by forestry will have the lowest diversity of stonefly species.
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Cape Breton highlands
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upland boreal forest region climax balsam fir forest harsh climate
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Forestry and the highlands Pre 1900s 1920s - pulp and paper 1970s – spruce budworm infestation Present activity
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Previous studies in highlands Limited …due to accessibility Primarily in lower elevations 1 st aquatic study in boreal region
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Physical Habitat Characterization
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Stonefly sampling Sampling was conducted along a 15-20 m study reach Emergence traps Benthic sampling Spring, summer and fall
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Stonefly sampling Sampling was conducted along a 15-20 m study reach Emergence traps Benthic sampling Spring, summer and fall
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Stonefly sampling Sampling was conducted along a 15-20 m study reach Emergence traps Benthic sampling Light traps Foliage sweeps
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Statistical analysis Only the benthic data used for analysis of forestry patterns ANOVA after transforming as necessary Exploratory multivariate statistics - cluster analysis and PCA No pattern with measured variables
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Results Physical characteristics of the streams
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Results Stonefly diversity: 3300 stoneflies collected 2750 nymphs and 550 adults 31 stonefly species from eight families 8 new records for NS
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Stonefly diversity in the boreal streams Low stonefly diversity is natural in small cold-water springs Shredder dominated
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Winter stoneflies
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Conclusions Impact of forestry activities on stoneflies? No significant differences Stonefly abundance Buffers
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Conclusions Stonefly diversity naturally low Forestry impact “buffered” More fun work to be done
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Mount Allison University University of Prince Edward Island NSERC /NSDNR Stora Enso/NewPage My supervisors and committee members Dr. Ron Aiken (MTA), Dr. Dave McCorquodale (CBU), and Barry Taylor (StFX) my external examiner
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QUESTIONS??
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