Current research focuses on two main areas: 1. Insect biodiversity in Interior ecosystems 2. Western spruce budworm in the northern Interior Douglas-fir zone of BC |
Tree response to western spruce budworm defoliation
Western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, is an important forest pest in southern and central British Columbia, throughout the Interior Douglas-fir beetle and drought are also important disturbance agents of mature Douglas-fir in the region. We are using dendrochronological and other techniques to investigate the history of western spruce budworm, Douglas-fir beetle, and drought near the northern limits of the Interior Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone. |
Insect biodiversity in Interior ecosystems
Terrestrial insects can be excellent indicators of ecosystem health. Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), in particular, can be sensitive to habitat characteristics and to changes in habitats. We are documenting carabid biodiversity, along with that of other terrestrial invertebrates, in several different ecosystem types in north-central British Columbia. Urban habitats, boreal habitats, and Interior wetbelt forest habitats are being surveyed using pitfall traps, and a combination of morphotyping and DNA barcoding. The Interior wetbelt ecosystem is particularly interesting, as our work may help to gain a better understanding of the biodiversity and ecology of the new Chun T’oh Wudujut Park. |