Examining microclimatic effects on vertebrate interactions with foundational plant species.

Desertification and arid region expansion are critical global change issues. Temperature, variability in precipitation, extended drought periods, and radiation are probable factors affecting the function of foundations shrubs. The changes in the above weather parameters are primarily due to anthropogenic climate change that significantly modifies physical and biological systems in all continents. Micro-climatic-driven behavioural plasticity can promote shifts in habitat so behavioural regimes can continue to function despite changes in climate. I propose that changes in weather parameters can alter vertebrate behaviour and hence their interactions with foundation plant species such as shrubs, who’s canopy can act as a shelter protecting vertebrates from direct sunlight and maintain moisture. Particularly, I’m interested in examining to what frequency and extent temperature and solar radiation can influence this interaction through the use temperature and radiation loggers paired with camera trap imagery- a method that allows researcher to obtain wildlife data with relatively little to no human disturbance. Additionally, I’m interested in understanding how shrub-grass interaction and invasion by non-native plant species influences the above dynamics. Sedgwick Reserve is a great grassland location allowing you to not only examine the above parameters, but also explore… TBC.

Faculty Supervisor:

Chris Lortie

Student:

Partner:

University of California, Santa Barbara

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

York University

Program: