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Jeffrey B. Ogden, MSc candidate Mount Allison University

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. Project Objectives. Baseline information :

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Jeffrey B. Ogden, MSc candidate Mount Allison University

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  1. 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

  2. Project Objectives • Baseline information: Boreal highland stonefly biodiversity. 2. Relate to forest practice & stream characteristics.

  3. Hypothes • Expect new species records for Nova Scotia. • Stream systems most recently affected by forestry will have the lowest diversity of stonefly species.

  4. Cape Breton highlands

  5. Cape Breton highlands • upland boreal forest region • climax balsam fir forest • harsh climate

  6. Forestry and the highlands • Pre 1900s • 1920s - pulp and paper • 1970s – spruce budworm infestation • Present activity

  7. Previous studies in highlands • Limited …due to accessibility • Primarily in lower elevations • 1st aquatic study in boreal region

  8. Physical Habitat Characterization

  9. Stonefly sampling • Sampling was conducted along a 15-20 m study reach • Emergence traps • Benthic sampling • Spring, summer and fall

  10. Stonefly sampling • Sampling was conducted along a 15-20 m study reach • Emergence traps • Benthic sampling • Spring, summer and fall

  11. Stonefly sampling • Sampling was conducted along a 15-20 m study reach • Emergence traps • Benthic sampling • Light traps • Foliage sweeps

  12. 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

  13. Results • Physical characteristics of the streams

  14. Results • Stonefly diversity: 3300 stoneflies collected 2750 nymphs and 550 adults 31 stonefly species from eight families 8 new records for NS

  15. Stonefly diversity in the boreal streams • Low stonefly diversity is natural in small cold-water springs • Shredder dominated

  16. Winter stoneflies

  17. Conclusions • Impact of forestry activities on stoneflies? • No significant differences • Stonefly abundance • Buffers

  18. Conclusions • Stonefly diversity naturally low • Forestry impact “buffered” • More fun work to be done

  19. 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

  20. QUESTIONS??

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