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Harvard Forest Symposium Abstract 2013

• Title: Applicability of indicator species in long-term monitoring of ecosystems dynamics - Case of amphibians of Harvard Forest
• Primary Author: Ahmed Siddig (University of Khartoum)
• Additional Authors: Aaron Ellison (Harvard University)
• Abstract:

  Primary Author:
  
  Ahmed A. Hassabelkreem: UMass Amherst/ Harvard Forest
  
  Additional Author(s):
  
  Aaron M. Ellison – Harvard Forest
  
  Title:
  
  Applicability of indicator species in long-term monitoring of ecosystems dynamics - Case of amphibians of Harvard Forest
  
  Abstract
  
  
  
  The attacks of hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA) in the all New England’s forests and especially those dominated by eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.), thought to have many long-term consequences on the structure, composition and function of those forested ecosystems. Given these expected influences as result of losing this foundation species, in Harvard Forest (HF), it makes very important to look for ways to detect and monitor these changes over the longer time periods.
  
  The aim of this anticipated research is to monitor the population dynamics of Redbacked Salamander (RBS) (Plethodon cinereus) of HF in response to local environmental changes resulting from losing foundation trees species (i.e. Hemlock), then we tend to develop a convincing approach showing the effectiveness and applicability of indicator species in long-term monitoring of ecosystems dynamics using RBS. Doing this entails:
  
  1- Investigating the effects of local landscape (habitat) composition on red backed salamanders’ population dynamics.
  
  2- Detection and modeling the effects of local environmental conditions at a range of spatial and temporal scales;
  
  3- Assessing the possibility of using amphibian species as ecosystem indicators;
  
  4- Develop a methodological approach for long term ecological monitoring of red back salamander and similar amphibians at the forest.
  
  The expected findings are developing an analytical protocol for using amphibians as indicator in long-term monitoring of ecosystem dynamics. This gives better understanding of using indicators to detect the local ecosystems dynamics in response to any types of disturbances as well as the possibility of using this approach with different taxa in other similar ecosystems. It seems also the results will have useful implications in conservation planning.
  
  
  
  

• Research Category: Biodiversity Studies
  Ecological Informatics and Modelling
  Physiological Ecology, Population Dynamics, and Species Interactions


• Figures:
HF Poster Abstract.doc
Poster of HF Symposium - 2013.pdf