LE3 .A278 2006

2006

Taylor, Phil

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

Throughout most of their range the American marten ('Martes americana ') is abundant, however, in Nova Scotia numbers are low despite the reintroductions into Kejimkujik National Park. In 2000 a recovery team was set up with the goal to ensure the recovery of the marten populations in Nova Scotia and since 2001 the Cape Breton population of American marten has been listed as provincially endangered. No determination has yet been made with regards to the population on mainland Nova Scotia. The goal of this project was to build a habitat suitability model in order to determine suitable marten habitat in Nova Scotia. A widespread association of marten with old growth or mature coniferous forest has lead to the idea that this type of forest is the main requisite for suitable marten habitat. However, some studies have shown that younger and regenerating deciduous stands can provide suitable habitat as well. A literature review was conducted to gain an understanding of what variables appear to be important for suitable marten habitat in other regions and why. Results suggest that temporal variation in marten habitat selection is affected by the mean temperature during the coldest and warmest months of the year. The use of certain microhabitats - for the purpose of this study defined as: "a small area with physical and ecological characteristics that distinguish it from its immediate surrounding area" (National Park Service U.S. 2006) - can be explained by their thermoregulatory needs during cold temperatures, but also in avoidance of warm temperatures. In my study area in southwest Nova Scotia, the climate is relatively mild in winter and warm during the summer compared to other areas in North America where marten occur. Expected microhabitat features to be selected in this climate are higher elevation, deciduous stands, and dense canopy or shrub cover during warm weather conditions, and the association of the more temperate climate along the coast. A Pooled Local Expert Information (PLEI) survey was used to collect marten presence and absence locations in southwest Nova Scotia. A combined GIS and statistical approach was used to model for suitable marten habitat. The model correctly predicted 20% marten presences and 94% absences during the 1000 iterations of the cross-validation, showing that marten in the study area have a preference for tolerant hardwood and a selection against white pine and open areas. Keywords: Marten habitat, Pooled Local Expert Information (PLEI), habitat suitability model, Geographic Information System (GIS), habitat use, Nova Scotia, American marten.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2817