The Canadian Field-Naturalist (E-Journal)
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"The Deadly Balance: Predators and People in a Crowded World" by Adam Hart, 2023 [book review]
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Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) feeding on Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) galls induced by aphids
Full text linkRed Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) specializes in feeding on conifer cone seeds but will feed opportunistically on a wide variety of other food items, including fungi, eggs, small vertebrates, and invertebrates. In much of their range, Red Squirrels experience fluctuations in the availability of their primary diet (conifer seeds) seasonally and annually because of variation in seed production. We document a seemingly uncommon or unreported feeding behaviour by a Red Squirrel in a year of an exceedingly low conifer cone production in Yukon, Canada: a squirrel foraging for and feeding on aphids hidden within galls formed on Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera). We searched for community-reported observations of Red Squirrels through iNaturalist and found additional evidence of apparently similar gall feeding behaviour elsewhere in Canada. We estimate that aphids can be a substantial source of caloric energy for Red Squirrels. Our observation represents another example of the diet breadth of Red Squirrels during periods of low conifer seed availability
Preliminary estimate of a Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor) population at a protected site in New Brunswick using photo identification and community science
Full text linkWe provide a preliminary population estimate (n = 120, 95% CI 65–722) of (male) Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor) at the Hyla Park Nature Preserve, New Brunswick, Canada’s first amphibian conservation site. As proof of concept, we also demonstrate the efficacy of a minimally invasive photographic identification method (PIM) that uses pattern recognition software for estimating the population of a visually cryptic amphibian that is subject to physiological colour change. Finally, we validate the use of PIM data collected by community participants and the opportunity it provides to engage and educate the local community about amphibian conservation
"A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road: New Thinking about Roads, People, and Wildlife" by Darryl Jones, 2022 [book review]
Full text linkAn overview of known species killed during Alberta’s Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) strychnine program, 2005–2020
Full text linkTo determine the minimum effect of strychnine baits placed for wolves in winter during a program targetting Gray Wolf(Canis lupus) in west-central Alberta from 2005 to 2020, I present a summary of all recorded species killed (n = 522). Fewerwolves (n = 245) were killed compared with non-target animals (n = 277), which included 10 mammal and four bird species.These data provide context on the environmental and ethical impacts of using poison as a component of wildlife management.Pour déterminer l'effet minimum que les appâts à la strychnine placés pour les loups pendant l'hiver ont sur d'autres mammifères et oiseaux, j'ai examiné et compilé les mortalités documentées de toutes les espèces enregistrées au cours d'un programme de strychnine ciblant les loups gris (Canis lupus) dans le centre-ouest de l'Alberta de 2005 à 2020. . Je présente un résumé des données sur toutes les espèces enregistrées tuées par la strychnine au cours de cette période (n = 522). Les victimes non ciblées (n = 277) comprenaient dix espèces de mammifères et quatre espèces d'oiseaux. Les décès non ciblés par la strychnine étaient plus nombreux que les décès connus de l'espèce cible (loups ; n = 245). Ces données fournissent un contexte sur les effets des appâts à la strychnine placés pour les loups pendant l'hiver sur d'autres animaux dans un paysage partagé, et donc sur les impacts écologiques et éthiques de l'utilisation du poison comme élément de gestion de la faune
Litter-dwelling terrestrial molluscs of Nepisiguit Protected Natural Area and Mount Carleton Provincial Park, north-central New Brunswick
Full text linkNo comprehensive study of the terrestrial gastropod fauna of northern New Brunswick has previously been undertaken. Most terrestrial gastropod molluscs are tiny and generally live unnoticed under debris, in leaf litter, and among other dead and living vegetation. Sifting and sorting collected samples of leaf litter are effective in sampling snails. In June–July 2015 and August 2016, 43 samples of forest leaf litter were collected in Nepisiguit Protected Natural Area and Mount Carleton Provincial Park. These samples yielded 22 species of terrestrial gastropods. Seven species are reported from New Brunswick for the first time.Il n’y a pas eu d’étude exhaustive de la faune gastéropode terrestre du nord du Nouveau-Brunswick. La plupart des mollusques gastéropodes terrestres sont minuscules et vivent généralement inaperçus sous les débris, dans la litière de feuilles et d’autres végétaux morts et vivants. Le tamisage et le tri des échantillons prélevés de litière de feuilles sont efficaces pour échantillonner les escargots. En juin–juillet 2015 et en août 2016, 42 échantillons de litière de feuilles forestières ont été prélevés dans l’zone naturelle protégée Nepisiguit et le parc provincial Mont-Carleton. Ces échantillons ont donné 22 espèces de gastéropodes terrestres. Sept espèces sont rapportées au Nouveau-Brunswick pour la première fois