Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
M.Sc. candidate
Supervisor: Gabriel Pigeon
Marc Mazerolle, Université Laval
Start: 2024-02-01
End: 2025-12-30

Project

Tailings ponds as alternative habitat for amphibians in western boreal Quebec
Wetlands are essential for many animal species. However, these habitats are being degraded by human activities. During reclamation, some mine sites are covered with a layer of water, creating an artificial wetland. These artificial ponds may differ from natural ponds in several respects, such as size, depth, pH, age and primary productivity. In this study, we will compare the ecological success of tailings ponds with that of beaver ponds, which are natural wetlands used by amphibian species in western boreal Quebec. To address this issue, we will use acoustic recordings and visual surveys to determine the abundance and diversity of amphibian communities, taking into account the different characteristics of the ponds. In addition, we will quantify reproductive success and phenology between the two types of environment, using egg masses and tadpole development stage. Based on the literature, we expect that the ability of artificial wetlands to serve as high-quality habitat as natural wetlands will be limited if the characteristics of the two types of environment differ. Nevertheless, if these artificial habitats do not present a long-term risk to species, this could partially compensate for the loss of natural wetlands resulting from human activities. These new habitats could thus provide an alternative suitable habitat for amphibian conservation.

Keywords

Conservation, Milieux humides, Biodiversité, Anoures, Écosystème, Habitats