The Response of Small Mammal Populations to Riparian Treatment Practices on Lyell Island

Intensive harvesting practices in British Columbia coastal rain forest, particularly adjacent to
streams, result to ecological simplifications that alter the structure, composition and function of
ecosystems and may provide limited habitat quality for many vertebrate species. Small mammals
are known to respond to these disturbances depending on the harvesting intensity and how often
their home range is being disturbed. Stream restoration and their associated floodplain can
increase habitat for a variety of plants and wildlife species. Increased light and coarse woody
debris through single tree selection can enhance forest structural diversity and provide habitat
conditions for populations to thrive again. This study will investigate the general association of
the deer mice response to restorative treatments along stream zones in Powrivco and Sandy
watersheds in Lyell Island (Haida Gwaii) by analyzing population response of deer mice
following management practices in young second growth stands along stream habitats.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jonathan Moran

Student:

Partner:

Parks Canada

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Royal Roads University

Program: