A researcher is investigating the impact of an invasive bug and insecticides on species in old hemlock forests in southwestern Nova Scotia. Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) has been causing damage to these forests for nearly ten years. To combat its spread, various organizations have been using insecticides such as imidacloprid and dinotefuran. However, Mathilde Christjansen, a master’s student at Mount Allison University, pointed out the lack of knowledge regarding the effects of HWA and insecticides on other species.
The study focuses on using the eastern red-backed salamander as a bioindicator species to assess the overall ecosystem health in hemlock forests. Scientists placed coverboards in the forests to create salamander habitats and conducted surveys to monitor salamander populations. Some forests were treated with insecticides, while others were left untreated.
Behavioral tests were also conducted on the salamanders to gauge their response to environmental changes. The researchers, led by Christjansen, aim to determine if salamander populations are being impacted by the presence of HWA and the use of insecticides. The project involves collaboration with various institutions and is part of a broader initiative examining forest health in Eastern Canada.
The study is exploring how dying hemlocks influence salamanders, as the trees provide essential habitat features. Salamanders, with their high abundance and sensitivity to environmental changes, serve as reliable indicators of forest health. The research will continue until next year, with data analysis expected to provide valuable insights into the ecosystem’s dynamics.
