Effects of hyperabundant moose (Alces alces) on stream ecosystem functioning and structure in Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia
Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Terrestrial consumers can influence forest regeneration, but few studies have investigated \nthe impacts of terrestrial consumers on freshwater ecosystems. I investigated the potential \nfor cross-ecosystem effects of hyperabundant moose on stream ecosystems in the Cape \nBreton Highlands, Nova Scotia. I predicted that watersheds with higher moose impacts \nwould have higher stream temperatures, total nitrogen, electrical conductivity, periphyton \nbiomass, and macroinvertebrate abundances. I analyzed existing long-term data on 3rd and \n4th order streams and conducted a field study on 1st and 2nd order streams to test for crossecosystem \nimpacts of moose in the Cape Breton Highlands. I found evidence for moose \nimpacts on total nitrogen and electrical conductivity. However, I found no evidence for \nhigher stream temperatures and periphyton biomass, with limited evidence of moose \nimpacts on macroinvertebrate abundances. This study provides insight into the effects of \nlarge ungulates within and across boreal forest ecosystems with potential implications for \nlandscape-scale management of hyperabundant ungulates.
Author: Jessica MacSween
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: green
Funder: Parks Canada
OpenAlex ID: W2806018061