Université du Québec en Outaouais
M.Sc. candidate
Supervisor: Angélique Dupuch
Katrine Turgeon
Start: 2025-01-13
End: 2027-01-31

Project

Effects of different logging practices on the diversity of amphibian communities in vernal pools.
Every logging practice will inevitably affect the natural environment, from the modification of soil characteristics to the changes in the local vegetation. This is particularly true for vernal pools, which are often understudied habitats thanks to their ephemeral qualities. Yet, these habitats are crucial for many species, such as amphibians. Therefore, the main goal of this research project is to evaluate the impacts of different harvesting methods on herpetofauna communities within vernal pools based on a gradient, from intensive logging to a natural forest. This will be done by analysing the characteristics of the pools and by recording the biodiversity within these wetlands according to the different harvesting practices. This will, in return, allow to better understand if certain methods can degrade these habitats or, on the contrary, create new ones due to the depressions created in the soil by the logging activities.

Keywords

Herpetofauna, Wetland, Logging, biodiversity, forestry, Vernal Pools, amphibians, Herpétologie, Milieux humides, Coupe Forestière, Biodiversité, foresterie, Étang vernaux, Amphibiens