LE3 .A278 2013

2013

Bondrup-Nielsen, Soren

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

The importance of wetlands has been often overlooked in favour of land conversion for industrialization and modern agriculture. According to Ducks Unlimited (DU), over 90 percent of the wetlands in the Annapolis Valley have been lost to development. In order to mitigate these losses DU has constructed wetlands in the agricultural landscape of the Annapolis Valley. In addition, most farms have both wetlands and ponds that are used for irrigation but which can still serve as an important habitat for a variety of species. In 2008, the Nova Scotia Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (NS-EHJV) developed a plan to assess wetland habitat quality for duck broods of various species. To evaluate the assumptions of the NS-EHJV for increasing duck production in the agricultural landscape, surveys of duck broods and invertebrates were carried out in the Annapolis Valley in 2009, 2010, and 2011. During 2012, evaluation of chemical and physical variables was added to the assessment. The chemical limnology component included nutrient analysis phosphorus, pH measurements, and chlorophyll a determination. In-situ measurements of water temperature and specific conductivity were also taken. This study compares DU constructed wetlands and farm ponds/wetlands with respect to chemical and biological properties of wetlands in the Annapolis Valley. Farm ponds/wetlands had consistently higher species richness and diversity. Results indicate eutrophication of most wetlands by the end of the sampling period; however, invertebrate species richness and diversity appear unaffected by eutrophic conditions. Greater numbers of ducklings were found on wetlands with higher invertebrate species richness and diversity, suggesting that greater invertebrate species richness may indicate more suitable habitat for duck broods.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:946