Spread and impact of an eruptive herbivore in a novel habitat: consequences of climate change – induced range expansion

In BC, the mountain pine beetle (MPB) has significantly expanded its range to more northerly
latitudes and higher elevations due to climate change. Within newly invaded habitats, it has
been shown that the productivity of the beetle is several times greater than that associated
with its historic range, prompting speculation that unusually high rates of tree mortality and
population expansion in the northern portions of the recent epidemic were a consequence of
the beetle’s occupation of new habitats.
Using forest inventory data and GIS/remote sensing techniques this project will (i) compare
the rate of spread and impact by mountain pine beetle populations in historically climatically
suitable and unsuitable habitats, (ii) quantify the relationship between stand mensurational
characteristics and resultant tree mortality within recently invaded habitats, and (iii) construct
an index of stand susceptibility relevant to novel pine forests to facilitate projections of future
mountain pine beetle spread.

Faculty Supervisor:

Allan Carroll

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Forest Service

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Public administration

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: