Research Projects for 2009
ME088367-08H S. Coghlan, J. Zydlewski, J. Trial, G. Mackey, R. Dill, P. Ruksznis
Energetic ecology, environmental gradients, and the conservation of native fishes
Native fishes, and salmonines in particular, are threatened throughout much of their respective ranges. In the
United States, Maine is the largest stronghold for wild brook trout, and also contains the only remaining wild
Atlantic salmon populations. The persistence of these, and other, fishes is threatened by many factors, including
habitat alteration and competition from exotic species. For example, riparian forests protect critical brook trout
habitat in headwater streams, but logging and reforestation regimes undoubtedly alter habitat quality. In another
example, many Atlantic salmon runs are sustained by stocking juveniles in historic habitat, but exotic smallmouth
bass invading these nursery streams pose a severe threat to salmon restoration via competition and predation. This
research project is designed to fill in knowledge gaps regarding the ecology and conservation of Maine's native
salmonines in light of variation in habitat quality due to riparian forest structure and/or exotic species invasion.
We adopt an energetics-based approach in examining distributions, behavior, habitat use, and foraging of individuals,
and our results should provide managers with information useful in understanding and conserving these and other fishes.
ME08660-08H J. Gilbert
Determination of population boundaries of harbor seal in the Western North Atlantic
Harbor seals are significant predators of farmed and wild fish. This project defines the boundaries, the numbers, and
the mortality of the harbor seal population(s) in New England. This information is required prior to developing any
measures to reduce predation.
ME08661-08 J. Rhymer
Conservation genetics of Maine's rare species
Claytons copper butterfly is listed as endangered and is known only from 13 sites worldwide in Maine and New Brunswick,
Canada. The population size has never been estimated. The taxonomic distinctness of Claytons copper butterfly from the
nominate Dorcas copper is controversial, which affects its status at the global level. This project will clarify the
taxonomic status of Claytons copper butterfly by analyzing morphological and genetic data. The population size at each
site and in total will be estimated.
ME08662-05 F. Servello
Population and habitat ecology of marsh birds in Maine
A number of marsh bird species are of management concern in Maine and the northeastern U.S. because of limited
information on their population status and ecology. The purpose of this study is determine whether populations
of these species are decreasing in Maine and learn more about their habitat requirements.
ME08816-08H A. Calhoun
Integrating aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem processes at multiple spatial scales to inform conservation of
wetland-dependent flora and fauna
Amphibian population persistence and resistance to human-caused perturbations requires intact connections among
aquatic habitats and the terrestrial matrix. This project looks at the role of aquatic (fishless ponds, fish ponds,
and vernal pools) and the connecting upland habitats in supporting amphibian populations.
ME09660-05 D. Harrison
Landscape-scale effects of forestry on forest carnivores and other vertebrates across commercially managed lands in Maine
1) Forest harvesting alters habitat for forest carnivores and their prey through habitat loss and fragmentation.
2) Forest practices and the landscapes comprising commercial forest harvesting in Maine are rapidly changing.
3) The future landscape-scale effects of habitat change, fragmentation, and changing forest policy and harvesting
practices on wildlife are unknown. 1) This project will develop models to predict densities of American martens,
Canada lynx, snowshoe hares, and red-backed voles across a range of forest stand conditions and harvesting practices.
ME09664-07 M. Hunter
Biodiversity management in forest-dominated landscape
Forest practices may affect habitat quality for amphibians by changing the moist, cool microclimates that they require.
This study examines this issue by studying two key factors--canopy openings and the fate of coarse woody debris--and
their effect on amphibian behavior and population dynamics.
ME09806-08MS F. Servello
Influence of climate warming and forest management on moose in Maine
Climate warming may increase numbers of winter ticks, which can kill young and adult moose. Recent changes in timber
harvesting practices in Maine may alter food resources for moose in the future. This project examines the effects of
climate warming and changes in timber harvesting practices in Maine on moose survival and reproduction.
