title: Road ecology of a northern population of badgers (Taxidea Taxus) in British Columbia, Canada

contributor: Dickinson, Tom (tdickinson) (committee member)

contributor: Brewster, Richard (rbrewster) (committee member)

format: electronic 99p electronic

subject: American Badger -- Habitat -- British Columbia

subject: American badger -- Mortality

abstract:
The badger (Taxidea taxus) is one of British Columbia’s (BC) most endangered mammals, with estimates placing the current provincial population at fewer than 340 adults. Previous research in the province has isolated two main factors contributing to the decline of badgers in BC: (1) a historical and current decline in habitat, and (2) road mortality caused by highways running through badger habitat. This intensive badger radio-telemetry study was initiated in 2007 to document badger ecology and movements in order to investigate why badgers are susceptible to vehicle collisions and possible mitigation methods.
From 2007-2009, a subset (11♀, 5♂) of the badger population in south-central BC were captured and outfitted with VHF radio-tags to track their location and movements. In addition, the systematic collection of hair to identify individuals using DNA was employed to assist in tracking movements, dispersal, and aid in identifying carcasses. Locations for study animals were used to determine fixed kernels (95% FK) for home range analysis. Mean home ranges for males were 253.1 km2 while females had much smaller home ranges of 29.4 km2. In addition to their extremely large home ranges, males displayed extensive movements during summer, while reproductive females maintained the smallest home ranges and restricted their movements during the kit rearing period. Movements of adult females with kits were influenced by time of kit emergence from the den, litter size, and period of time before natal den abandonment.
Newly emerging GPS technology was used to reveal extensive movements during summer that conventional radio-telemetry had underestimated. Movement rates were five times greater for GPS outfitted badgers versus conventional radio-telemetry estimates [GPS 4,801 m/day (n = 5): VHF radio 840 m/day (n = 16)] suggesting that badger movements and road crossings were underestimated by previous badger ecology studies.
In an attempt to document the frequency and ratio of above- and below-grade road crossings, remote motion cameras were placed at existing underpass structures to compare telemetry locations and GPS movements with camera data. Both marked and unmarked badgers were recorded using a variety of structures. Data revealed that both genders and family groups used culverts and livestock underpasses to pass under roads, with 500 mm culverts being used most frequently. Both above- and below-grade road crossings were detected, with frequency varying by individual, time of day, and seasonality.
Animals whose home ranges bisected highways were repeatedly observed crossing highways, with half of the study animals succumbing to collisions with vehicles (8 of 16). Due to their large home ranges, all five males in the study eventually crossed highway corridors with four of five males dying on these major roadways. Sites of badger road mortalities were spatially defined to identify areas of concentrated road mortality sites or ‘hotspots’ on major roadways in south-central BC.
Despite the high percentage of study animal road mortality, DNA data and population modeling suggests an increasing population of badgers in the regional study area. At the present time, the high incidence of road mortality in the study area seems to be negated to some extent by strong recruitment, hence the estimate of increasing population size.
Home range size and movement rate estimates for badgers in this study are some of the largest reported in BC. These phenomena may be explained by the patchy distribution of resources near the northern range limit of badgers in BC, such as suitable soils for burrowing and distribution of prey species. These limited resources often coincide with human populated areas where development of transportation corridors and agriculture often occur. These human-induced pressures on badger habitat often conflict with seasonal movement patterns of badgers (i.e., breeding season) leading to habitat fragmentation and direct mortality. The ability to increase our understanding of these movement patterns and provide mitigation measures (e.g., road underpasses, land conservation) that reduce direct mortality and increase productivity should allow for the continued existence of this species near their range limit in south-central BC, Canada.
In conclusion, I present a focused discussion on how an understanding of the ecology of badgers (particularly movements) may be integrated into habitat protection and restoration plans, including mitigation for current and future road infrastructure projects, thereby reducing impacts on this species.


title: Distribution of plant functional groups across grassland-forest ecotones: Testing the assumptions

type: Text thesis

contributor: Baldwin, Lyn (lybaldwin) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Fraser, Lauchlan (lfraser) (committee member)

contributor: Carlyle-Moses, Darryl (dcarlyle) (committee member)

contributor: Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Science (Degree granting institution)

format: electronic 101p electronic

subject:
Ecotones -- British Columbia
Grasslands -- British Columbia
Timberlines -- British Columbia

abstract:
Ecotones, transition zones found at abrupt discontinuities in vegetation, are a part of every landscape and have long been considered hotspots for biodiversity and conservation of both plants and animals. However, many assumptions about ecotone characteristics have not been rigorously tested. The most prevalent claim in the literature is that ecotones support higher species richness than adjacent habitats. Patterns of higher species richness in ecotones has been hypothesized to arise from ecological processes ranging from spatial mass effect, increased environmental heterogeneity, seed predation or introduction by animals or insects, to increased dispersal ability by exotic generalists. The purpose of this project is to document patterns of plant functional group richness and abundance across grassland-aspen ecotones in the Lac du Bois grasslands north of Kamloops, British Columbia. Specifically, this research addresses the following questions: 1) Are ecotones more species-rich than surrounding areas in both north-and south-facing aspects? 2) What is the relationship between functional diversity and species richness across the grassland-aspen ecotones? and 3) How does the method of ecotone definition (statistical versus visual) and data analysis (blocking versus gradient approach) impact the results?
Twenty ecotones (10 south-facing and 10 north-facing ecotones) were intensively sampled along 35 m transects for richness and abundance of herbaceous plant species, aspen saplings, soil pH and moisture and tree canopy cover. To compare techniques, the location of each ecotone was defined both statistically using moving window regression analysis and visually using the treeline as an approximate centre. Ecotone locations varied greatly when the statistical method was compared with the visual method. Overall, the results did not support the assumption that ecotones are more species rich than adjacent habitats. However there was variation between richness and abundance of other functional groups (shade tolerance, dispersal method and drought tolerance, for example) in ecotones compared to adjacent habitats. This research also found a strong influence of aspect on the results, especially when grasslands and ecotones were compared.

abstract: treeline

abstract: ecotone

abstract: grassland

abstract: aspen

abstract: aspect

abstract: functional groups


title: Movement and habitat-use of the Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea Intermontana) at its northern range limit

contributor: Govindarajulu, Purnima (committee member)

contributor: Heise, Brian (bheise) (committee member)

format: 81p electronic electronic

subject: Great Basin spadefoot -- Habitat -- British Columbia

subject: Great Basin spadefoot -- Conservation -- British Columbia

abstract: The Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana) ranges from Arizona to British Columbia (BC) in western North America, being typically associated with arid environments. However, at the northern limit of the species (south-central BC), the ecosystem contains only small patches of grassland interspersed within a forested landscape, and the climate is cool and wet compared to the core of the spadefoot range. Due to the threatened status of spadefoots in BC, breeding ponds have been identified, but effective management requires data on habitat use away from these bodies of water. Using telemetry, I examined movement patterns and determined habitat associations of diurnal retreat sites (shallow self-made or pre-existing burrows) for these animals. I was able to track 19 spadefoots for varying lengths of time over two active seasons in 2009 and 2010. In general, telemetered spadefoots showed periodic, eruptive movements, where single (used one time only) or core (used multiple times) retreat sites were utilized for a period of time, prior to larger movements that took the animal to another area (with another set of retreat sites). Often retreat sites were used repeatedly; individuals would emerge to forage, travel to breeding ponds, and/or utilize other sites, sometimes retracing their movement patterns over large distances. The majority of terrestrial habitat used was within 112 m from breeding ponds and 136 m was the average maximum displacement, although telemetered spadefoots ventured up to 370 m from aquatic habitat. Grassland and forest path habitat-types types were selected by spadefoots at a higher proportion than in random locations. At a smaller scale within these macro-habitats, spadefoots selected for retreat sites containing higher proportions of bare ground and rock compared to random locations. This study provides much-needed background information on the behaviour and terrestrial habitat preferences of Great Basin spadefoots, and can be used to inform management strategies for this species at the northern extent of their geographic range.

abstract: Great Basin spadefoot

abstract: Spea intermontana

abstract: Anura

abstract: resource selection

abstract: northern periphery

abstract: habitat

abstract: British Columbia

abstract: radio-telemetry


title: Incorporating Indigenous voices: The struggle for increased representation in Jasper National Park

contributor: Mason, Courtney (Courtney Mason (cmason)) (thesis advisor)

contributor: McCormick, Roderick (Roderick McCormick (rmccormick)) (committee member)

contributor: Hood, Robert (Rob Hood (rhood)) (committee member)

format:
electronic
127 pages
electronic

subject: Indigenous peoples -- Canada

subject: Reconciliation

subject: Indigenous peoples -- Canada -- Social conditions

subject: Jasper National Park (Alta.)

abstract: This thesis focuses on the lack of Indigenous representation in Jasper National Park (JNP) and the negative impacts it has on Indigenous communities and their relationship with JNP management. These representational issues foster the formation and dissemination of problematic Indigenous stereotypes and reinforce pan-Indigenous notions in Jasper and Canada. Relying on Indigenous Methodologies, I conducted semi-structured interviews with members of the Jasper Indigenous Forum (JIF) and JNP management which helped address a gap in knowledge as there are so few scholarly works on this issue, particularly in national parks. The findings from this research clearly indicated that while JNP management and the JIF have some overlapping priorities, they have different levels of understandings about the obstacles each group faces. Unequal power dynamics became evident in this research, which suggests a desire among JNP management to maintain the status quo. The research participants identified several areas of concern: Indigenous histories and cultures presented from non-Indigenous perspectives; a lack of cultural awareness training for JNP staff; the presence of culturally insensitive structures in JNP; inadequate time to meet on issues; and a lack of consultation. These key issues are examined in great detail in an effort to increase culturally appropriate representation in JNP and offer some viable solutions to help reconcile the past and move forward to address some of the concerns of Indigenous peoples in Jasper.

abstract: Indigenous

abstract: Representation

abstract: Jasper

abstract: JIF

abstract: JNP

abstract: Stereotypes

abstract: Interpretation

abstract: Reconciliation

abstract: History

abstract: Traditional


title: The influence of tree traits and storm event characteristics on stemflow production from isolated deciduous trees in an urban park

contributor: Carlyle-Moses, Darryl (dcarlyle) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Brewer, Sharon (sbrewer) (committee member)

format: electronic 103p electronic

subject: Hydrology -- British Columbia -- Kamloops

subject: Urban runoff -- Management -- British Columbia -- Kamloops

subject: Trees in cities -- British Columbia -- Kamloops

subject: Hydrologic cycle -- British Columbia -- Kamloops

abstract: Urban tree canopy processes affect the volume and biogeochemistry of inputs to the hydrological cycle in cities. We studied stemflow in isolated deciduous trees in a semiarid climate dominated by small precipitation events. To clarify the effect of canopy traits on stemflow thresholds, rates, yields, percent, and funneling ratios, we analyzed branch angles, bark relief, tree size, cover, leaf size, and branch and leader counts. High branch angles promoted stemflow in all trees, while bark relief influenced stemflow differently for single- and multi-leader trees. The association between stemflow and numerous leaders deserves further study. Among meteorological variables, rain depth was strongly correlated with stemflow yields; intra-storm break duration, rainfall intensity, rainfall inclination, wind speed, and vapour pressure deficit also played roles. Greater stemflow was associated with leafless canopies and with rain or mixed events versus snow. Results can inform climate-sensitive selection and siting of urban trees towards integrated rainwater management.

abstract: stemflow

abstract: urban forestry

abstract: stormwater management

abstract: deciduous trees

abstract: branch angles

abstract: bark relief

abstract: canopy water balance

abstract: urban hydrology


title: Biosolids in BC's southern interior: A case study on public perceptions

contributor: Fraser, Lauchlan (lfraser) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Tsigaris, Peter (ptsigaris) (committee member)

subject: Biosolids -- Management

subject: Public opinion -- Canada -- British Columbia -- Kamloops

subject: Public opinion -- Canada -- British Columbia -- Merritt

subject: Public opinion -- Canada -- British Columbia -- Princeton

abstract: The land application of biosolids continues to be subject to questions and concerns. There exists a difference between public perceptions of biosolids and the promotion of the safety and sustainability of current waste management practices that convert sewage sludge to biosolids. Within the Southern Interior of British Columbia, there is opposition amongst a segment of the population regarding the land application of biosolids. Through a mail-out survey, the communities of Kamloops, Merritt and Princeton were assessed to gain a better understanding of public perceptions of biosolids risks and factors which influence public attitudes towards biosolids management. Two thousand surveys were distributed proportionately between the communities. Response rates for Kamloops and Merritt were 22 and 24 percent respectively. Surprisingly no responses were received from Princeton. Kamloops and Merritt generally identified differing risk perceptions around the management of biosolids, where Kamloops was found to be more accepting in their overall perceptions. This is a likely result of Merritt residents’ recent experience with application sites and proximity to biosolids projects, and the associated local media attention. Results from Kamloops highlighted there is general support to find a productive use of biosolids, but a lack of the overall trust necessary for a biosolids project to receive stable community support. Further to this, respondents were asked about their willingness to pay for alternative biosolids management practices. These results can be used as a surrogate for willingness to pay to divert biosolids from land application, thus indirectly estimating the perceived external cost of applying biosolids to land. The results indicate that in Kamloops there may be no perceived external costs but in the neighboring city of Merritt there are.

abstract: Contingent valuation

abstract: Community engagement

abstract: Public opinion survey

abstract: Biosolids management


title: An examination of environmental practices used in commercial sea kayaking in British Columbia

contributor: Heshka, Jon (jheshka) (committee member)

format: electronic 81p electronic

subject: Sea kayaking -- British Columbia

subject: Ecotourism -- Canada -- British Columbia

subject: Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Canada -- British Columbia

abstract: The commercial sea kayaking sector of British Columbia’s tourism industry depends entirely on the pristine quality of the coastal environment. With more than 70,000 visitors choosing BC waters for their wilderness kayaking holidays, the potential for anthropogenic impact on the ecosystem is an undeniable reality. This study addressed this concern by examining the actions and behaviours being applied by commercial sea kayak guides while escorting clients through this fragile ecosystem. Through the use of observations, surveys, and interviews a multiple method approach to research enabled this study to capture an in depth understanding of the environmental practices being used by commercial sea kayak guides in British Columbia.  Undisclosed participant observations, allowed for the informative observation of seventeen guides to occur while minimizing the possibility of altered subject behaviour; the first guide observations of this kind in BC. This methodological approach was combined with a self-report survey of a larger sample of guides, which allowed for the inclusion of a greater spectrum of experiences and reported behaviours from active guides. Finally, a number of interviews with various industry professionals provided greater context surrounding actions, behaviours, and decisions made by those who operate in this industry.  The seventeen guides observed in this study, along with survey respondents and interviewees, collectively demonstrated a great respect for the wilderness environment and expressed actively trying to manage their associated impacts. However, despite being unintentional, the inconsistent use and misapplication of low impact practices were identified among the studied guiding population. In some cases this resulted in unnecessary human impacts on the environment. Interactions with wildlife and general camp management were identified as areas that displayed common weaknesses among guides. These weaknesses came in the form of frequent deviations from the best management practices outlined for this activity and endorsed by the related professional organizations. Interviews and survey responses suggested that these differences between the suggested best management practices and the actual practices applied may be a result of misinformed guides or those not educated on the specific environment in which they operated. Supporting this notion, more than 70% of the guides in this study encouraged the expansion of educational opportunities for current and upcoming guides; particularly in the form of workplace training which can accommodate regionally specific practices. Increasing the awareness of specific practices may result in more consistent use in the field setting.  Overall this study concluded that the consistency with which best management practices were being used at a guide level could be increased to further reduce the ecological impact of guided sea kayak adventures in British Columbia. Through increased training and more effective implementation of low impact techniques among commercial guides, it is hoped that the anthropogenic impacts can be minimized, the visitor attraction be maintained, and the overall sustainability of this industry be secured well into the future.

abstract: kayaking

abstract: ecotourism

abstract: best management practice

abstract: environment

abstract: marine tourism


title: Effects of livestock grazing on aquatic macroinvertebrates in southern interior wetlands of British Columbia, Canada

format: electronic 67p electronic

subject: Livestock -- British Columbia

subject: Aquatic invertebrates -- British Columbia

subject: Wetlands -- British Columbia

subject: Grasslands -- British Columbia

subject: Damselflies -- British Columbia

abstract: Grasslands in the southern interior of British Columbia are extensively grazed by free ranging livestock. Water sources are limited in these grassland landscapes and wetlands are commonly used by livestock for drinking water and forage. My study examined the impacts of livestock disturbance on the abundance, biomass and community composition of aquatic macroinvertebrates residing in these wetlands. Aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected in the spring and summer of 2008 from 17 wetlands with a range of grazing disturbance. Three sweep and core samples were collected from each wetland and grazing intensity was determined by the amount of bare ground at each site. Spring sweep total abundance (r2=0.464, p=0.003) and biomass (r2=0.728, p<0.001) were negatively correlated with livestock disturbance as were spring abundance and biomass of zygopterans (r2=0.593, p<0.001; adj. r2=0.513, p=0.001). Spring sweep family richness (r2=0.462, p=0.003), Shannon’s family diversity (r2=0.569, p<0.001) and Simpson’s family diversity (r2=0.385, p=0.008) also decreased as livestock disturbance increased. Resource managers should consider Zygoptera (damselflies) as a potential indicator of wetland water quality and livestock impact. Range plans should adopt only light grazing in wetland areas and limit livestock access to sustain the biodiversity and productivity of these valuable aquatic ecosystems.

abstract: aquatic macroinvertebrates

abstract: grassland wetlands

abstract: livestock grazing

abstract: British Columbia

abstract: Zygoptera


title: Population ecology of the American pika (Ochotona princeps) in an extreme environment

contributor: Gardner, Wendy (wgardner) (committee member)

contributor: Reudink, Matt (mreudink) (committee member)

format:
electronic
x, 77 pages

subject: American pika -- Ecology -- British Columbia -- Kamloops Region

subject: American pika -- Effect of habitat modification on -- British Columbia -- Kamloops Region

abstract: Alteration of native habitat through human disturbance is generally implicated as the predominant cause of decline in terrestrial biodiversity. Anthropogenic forces destablilize critical processes such as reproductive success and dispersal of individuals; how species will respond depends to a large extent on the plasticity of habitat use. In this vein, habitat specialists may provide valuable opportunities to understand how colonization succeeds (or fails) in novel environments. The American pika (Ochotona princeps) is such a habitat specialist, occupying montane regions in western North America. This species is recognized as vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts (e.g. climate change) due to intrinsic characteristics (e.g. low thermal tolerance, low dispersal capability) that make it susceptible to local extirpations. In the southern interior of British Columbia, in a region that features extreme temperature shifts, I compared a population of pikas inhabiting a partially reclaimed mine site, with those found close by in natural habitat. All told, I monitored a total of 174 pikas from 2012-2014 to compare survival, physical characteristics, dispersal and den site attributes. Through mark-recapture and radio-telemetry, I found comparable survival and dispersal rates of pikas and almost no detectable physical differences. Investigation of undertalus temperatures of den sites revealed that microhabitats within the rocks largely were decoupled from the regional macroclimate, providing evidence of microrefugia as a functional buffer against macroscale climate impacts. Rock size of 1m3 and cryptogamic cover on talus near den entrances were positively influential to pika survival, whereas winter temperatures < -10°C under the talus negatively impacted survival. This study provides a relatively parsimonious explanation of pika persistence in atypical environments; within an extreme thermal environment such as in my study region, pikas appear capable of utilizing portions of anthropogenic habitat via microrefugia, although future longevity in a changing climate remains unknown.

abstract: climate-sensitive species

abstract: American pika

abstract: Ochotona princeps

abstract: microrefugia

abstract: anthropogenic impacts

abstract: talus

abstract: microhabitat

abstract: British Columbia


title: The effects of grazing and site productivity on Carabid Beetles (Coleoptera: carabidea) in a semi-arid grassland

contributor: Larsen, Karl (klarsen) (committee member)

contributor: Donkor, Kingsley (kdonkor) (committee member)

contributor: Higgins, Rob (rhiggins) (committee member)

format: electronic 60p electronic

subject: Ground beetles -- British Columbia -- Lac du Bois Grasslands Provincial Park

subject: Grasslands -- British Columbia

subject: Cattle -- British Columbia

abstract: The grasslands of British Columbia (BC), Canada are an important resource for the ranching industry, even though they occupy less than one percent of BC‟s land area. Cattle grazing can alter the structure and composition of the plant community, which may indirectly affect insect communities. Insects are an integral component of grassland ecosystems; for example, carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) prey on lower trophic levels while providing food resources for upper trophic levels. In the semi-arid grasslands of southern BC, soil-water availability increases with elevation, and plant community composition differs along the elevation (productivity) gradient. I investigated the effects of cattle grazing and productivity on ground beetle abundance, dried weight (biomass), species richness and diversity. Over three sessions of pitfall trapping in 2008 in Lac Du Bois BC Provincial Park, 600 individuals of six carabid species were captured. To test for main and interacting effects of elevation, grazing, and month of capture, carabid beetles were quantified by trap for abundance, dried weight (biomass), species richness and Shannon‟s diversity. I found that elevation was the most important predictor of carabid abundance, biomass, species richness and diversity. Lower elevation had an average abundance of 1.04 carabids, dried weight of 25.50 mg, species richness of 0.46 and Shannon diversity of 0.06, compared to upper elevation with an average abundance of 2.88 carabids, dried weight of 113.71 mg, species richness of 1.00 and Shannon diversity of 0.15. Grazing had a significant effect on carabid diversity with higher diversity in upper elevations. There were significant effects of month of capture on carabid beetle biomass, species richness, and Shannon diversity. To examine energy differences, calorimetry experiments were performed on the seeds of four dominant grasses (Poa sandbergii, Pseudoroegenaria spicata, Festuca campestris, and Poa pratensis) and on four carabid beetles (Carabus taedatus, Calosoma moniliatum, Amara obesa, and Cymindis borealis). Average calories per gram were significantly different between two dominant species of carabid, Cymindis borealis (3114.741 cal/g), and Carabus taedatus (5321.862 cal/g). Grass species did not differ in calories per gram of seed. Caloric value (calories per gram x gram) of carabids and seeds were higher in the upper grasslands compared to the lower grasslands. As one of three Provincial parks that protect natural grasslands, the management of Lac Du Bois benefits by considering biodiversity of all biota, including invertebrates.

abstract: Carabidae

abstract: grassland

abstract: caloric value

abstract: cattle grazing

abstract: productivity


title: Assessing private land fuel management treatments in the wildland urban interface of British Columbia's southern interior

contributor: Gardner, Wendy (wgardner) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Karakatsoulis, John (jkarakat) (committee member)

contributor: Kading, Terry (tkading) (committee member)

subject: Fuel -- Canada -- British Columbia -- Management

subject: Crown lands -- Canada -- British Columbia -- Management

subject: Land tenure -- Canada -- British Columbia -- Management

abstract: The problems of fire in areas where forest and infrastructure meet (the wildland urban interface) are becoming better understood as a mounting body of research grows against the backdrop of climate change, forest fuel build-up and the expansion of human settlement into rural areas. The Province of British Columbia has a history of catastrophic wildland fires.  Following the events of the 2003 fire season, fuel management emerged as a key recommendation to mitigate the risk of wildland fire in rural areas. Although the overall effectiveness of the Provincial fuel management strategy will continue to be the subject of debate, there is consensus that at-risk private landowners need to take responsibility for their safety. Fuel management on Crown land can provide a model for landowners to implement mitigation strategies on their own properties, but are homeowners using that model? This study investigated if homeowners in wildland urban interface areas within the Kamloops Fire Zone of British Columbia are using adjacent Crown land fuel management treatments as a template for conducting mitigation work on their own property.  This was accomplished using a two-part study. The first part of the study involved an in situ measurement of Crown and private land parcels using hazard assessment criteria modified from FireSmart Canada. Hazard assessment scores of fuel-managed public lands and adjacent private lands were similar, suggesting that private land owners were reproducing mitigation measures on their own properties. Fuel management reduced the hazard assessment scores of crown and private lands in the areas studied and there was variability in fuel management treatments.  The second component of the study involved a mail-out survey to wildland urban interface residents to support the findings of part one and gain a better understanding of the human dimension of fuel management treatments by clarifying the motives, trends and obstacles that may be in place.  Residents of the wildland urban interface were aware of the risk of wildland fire impacting their communities. Most residents were familiar with the FireSmart program.  Education continues to be an important component of any forest fuel mitigation effort and residents in fuel managed areas generally felt a greater sense of community than those residing in untreated areas.

abstract: British Columbia

abstract: Fuel management

abstract: Treatment

abstract: Influence

abstract: Public land

abstract: Private land


title: City life and chickadees: Effects of urbanization on vocal output and reproductive success of the mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli)

contributor: Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Science (Degree granting institution)

contributor: Reudink, Matt (mreudink) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Dickinson, Tom (tdickinson) (committee member)

contributor: Pypker, Tom (tpypker) (committee member)

format: electronic 70p electronic

subject: Mountain chickadee -- Habitat -- British Columbia

subject: Urbanization -- British Columbia

subject: Mountain chickadee -- Reproduction

subject: Mountain ecology -- British Columbia

abstract: Urbanization creates new types of habitats with novel benefits and challenges that are not found in natural habitats. How a species fares in urban habitats is largely dependent on its life history, yet predicting the response of individual species to urbanization remains a challenge. While “urban exploiter” species thrive in urban areas, other “urban avoiders” do poorly or are not present at all, and “urban adaptors” are able to adapt to some degree of urbanization. Mountain chickadees are year-round residents of montane regions of western North America. Commonly found in higher-elevation coniferous forests, these birds will also visit bird feeders in urbanized areas and readily nest in nest boxes. We monitored mountain chickadees along a habitat gradient, from natural habitat to suburban areas, to determine if the degree of urbanization was associated with: vocal output; clutch size and success; nestling growth rates; or variation in parental size and condition. Males in habitats with more urban features began vocalizing earlier, for longer periods, at higher rates, and produced a greater number of vocalizations than males in natural habitats. Females nesting in areas with more urban features and deciduous trees (non-native vegetation) initiated clutches earlier than those in natural areas, but neither fledging success nor the rate of nestling mass-change differed between habitats. Nestling feather growth-rate increased with later first egg dates, and the magnitude of this increase was greater in urban habitats than in rural ones. We suggest that these differences may be due to increased food abundance in both the pre-breeding and breeding seasons, allowing individuals to attain higher condition during the winter, maintain this condition through the breeding season, and better provision their offspring. Our results indicate no detriment to nesting in urban habitats, and suggest that mountain chickadees fall into the intermediate “urban adaptor” species category.

abstract: condition-dependent traits

abstract: urbanization

abstract: reproductive success

abstract: vocal output

abstract: mountain chickadee

abstract: Poecile gambeli


title: Impacts of road mortality on the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) in British Columbia

contributor: Larsen, Karl (Karl Larsen (klarsen)) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Taylor, Richard (Richard Taylor (rtaylor)) (committee member)

format:
electronic
xi, 94 pages

subject: Western rattlesnake -- British Columbia

subject: Traffic safety and wildlife -- British Columbia

subject: Western rattlesnake -- Population -- British Columbia

abstract: Direct mortality due to wildlife-vehicle collisions has emerged as a major and worldwide conservation threat to wildlife. This source of mortality may be particularly adverse for populations persisting at the periphery of their range, where existing natural constraints already limit population growth and vigour. As a result, conservation assessment and planning for many peripheral species-at-risk will benefit from a fundamental understanding of the impacts of road mortality, yet these can be difficult to isolate due to the interaction of a number of factors. Using population viability analysis (PVA) I evaluated the persistence of a Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) population threatened by road mortality in the dry interior of British Columbia, Canada. From 2015-2016 I quantified road mortality through methodical road surveys and coincidental assessments of scavenging rates and observer detection probability using planted snake carcasses. Additionally, I conducted intensive mark-recapture and radio-telemetry to estimate population density, size, and the range of the study population. After accounting for sources of error, my modelling showed that the estimated number of rattlesnake deaths was 2.7× the number of carcasses detected through unadjusted surveys and incidental observations. Overall, an estimated 6.6% of the population was killed on the road annually under traffic conditions that amounted to a maximum of only 350 vehicles per day. The PVA indicated that the population still was likely to persist for the next 100 years, but with a continual decline under the current, observed road mortality rate. With the loss of 6.6% of the population/year, the projected probability of extinction was <0.01 in 100 years and 0.0 in 50 years. At simulated road mortality rates of ≤6% there was zero probability of extinction for this population of rattlesnakes within the next 100 years. However, at the extinction threshold of road mortality of 6%, the stochastic growth rate was -0.032, and the mean population size was estimated to decrease by 96% in 100 years. Simulations with road mortality rates >6% consistently put the population at risk of extinction over 100 years. In comparison, the growth rate in the absence of road mortality was 0.0047 and the population was projected to increase (60% increase over 100 years). My results also suggest that in theory, improving adult female survival as well as overall longevity of rattlesnakes would significantly increase the population growth rate. My method of estimating population size for the area impacted by road deaths likely presents an overestimate, suggesting that the actual risk to this population is greater than what the models have implied. The detailed PVA using refined road mortality estimates provides strong evidence that road mortality is and will be a significant contributor to population decline, and adds to the growing body of evidence that large populations of long-lived species will face extirpation under low levels of road mortality, even in the absence of other sources of disturbance. Conservation priorities should focus on reducing road mortality and improving habitat availability away from roads.

abstract: Crotalus oreganus

abstract: observer detection

abstract: population estimate

abstract: population viability analysis

abstract: road mortality

abstract: scavenging

abstract: Western Rattlesnake


title: Application of capillary electrophoresis for the determination of organoarsenicals in poultry farm waters

contributor: Donkor, Kingsley (kdonkor) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Huttunen-Hennelly, Heidi (hhuttunen) (committee member)

contributor: Prema, Dipesh (dprema) (committee member)

format:
electronic
xvi, 114 pages

abstract: One way in which arsenic is introduced into the environment is through organoarsenicals. Organoarsenicals are used as feed additives in animal feeding operations. In poultry birds, they prevent diseases and accelerate growth. Examples of these organoarsenicals are roxarsone, arsinilic acid, nitarsone and carbasone. With poultry, consumption of organoarsenicals pose no health threat as 95% are excreted unchanged but the degradation products - arsenics, are toxic when accumulated in the human body system and can cause acute poisoning and cancer. This also  leads  to  arsenic  contamination  in  the  environment  -  groundwater,  air  and  consumer products have endangered the health and safety of millions of people around the world. Over the  years,  several  analytical  methods  have  been  employed  to  determine  the  presence  and concentration  of  organoarsenicals,  however,  they  have  some  major  drawbacks  such  as difficulty in measuring low concentrations and low selectivity. This research explores  the development of a method using capillary electrophoresis (CE) with ultraviolet detection to determine the presence and concentrations of organoarsenicals in environmental water near poultry farms in Kamloops, British Columbia. The effects of type, pH and concentration of background electrolyte on the separation were investigated in order to determine the optimum condition that would enable the detection of low concentrations of the organoarsenicals in environmental water bodies. This optimization allowed for successful and simultaneous baseline separation of roxarsone and nitarsone in water samples from the trough, well and tap water samples at the poultry farm waters. Using the  technique  of  large  volume  sample  stacking  in  CE,  lower  limits  of  detection  and quantification  were  obtained  for both  roxarsone  and  nitarsone  and  further  lower  limits  of detection were observed from preconcentration by applying the solid phase extraction.

abstract: Roxarsone

abstract: nitarsone

abstract: large volume sample stacking

abstract: capillary electrophoresis

abstract: environmental water

abstract: poultry

abstract: organoarsenicals


title: Reducing the cumulative effects of timber harvest and livestock grazing using debris barriers

contributor: Fraser, Lauchlan (lfraser) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Thompson Rivers University Department of Environmental Science (Degree granting institution)

format:
electronic
vii, 52 pages

abstract: The cumulative effects of timber harvesting and livestock grazing can affect water quality and quantity, hydrologic function and other important resource values near small headwater streams. Following timber harvest in British Columbia, Canada, small streams are often left without a reserve zone, likely because of the lack of a legislative requirement in B.C.. On a multiple use land base with livestock grazing, this can lead to increased use of unprotected riparian areas where quality forage and water exist. The objectives of this study were to test the effectiveness of using coarse woody debris barriers to minimize the cumulative effects of livestock grazing and timber harvesting on small stream, riparian values. Debris barriers were strategically placed within four recently harvested cutblocks where livestock graze seasonally on extensive, forested rangeland in the Okanagan region of B.C.. Cover, species richness, bare soil, litter, biomass, trampling, manure and utilization were sampled to determine the effectiveness of the barriers between control and barrier treatments over two grazing seasons. Debris barriers were effective in maintaining higher vegetative cover when compared with control treatments. Other positive outcomes were reduced trampling and utilization in the barrier treatments. This study has shown that debris barriers can be effective at minimizing some of the negative effects of livestock grazing following timber harvest. With this greater understanding of debris barriers and their effectiveness in protecting small, headwater streams the goal is to promote their use and adoption by forest licensees as another tool to mitigate the loss of riparian vegetation. The results suggest that debris barriers ought to be a best management practice as a cost-effective tool to mitigate the potential negative cumulative effect of timber harvest and livestock grazing in and around small headwater streams.

abstract: riparian protection

abstract: grazing management

abstract: livestock

abstract: timber harvest

abstract: coarse woody debris

abstract: headwater streams

abstract: British Columbia


title: Restoring endangered Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) populations in British Columbia, Canada, using hatchery-raised individuals

contributor: Gosselin, Louis (lgosselin) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Larsen, Karl (klarsen) (committee member)

contributor: Noakes, Donald (dnoakes) (committee member)

contributor: Fraser, Lauchlan (lfraser) (committee member)

contributor: Dickinson, Thomas (tdickinson) (committee member)

contributor: Van Hamme, Jonathan (jvanhamme) (committee member)

format: electronic 165p electronic

subject: Pinto abalone -- British Columbia -- Barkley Sound

subject: Hatchery fishes -- British Columbia -- Barkley Sound

subject: Pinto abalone fisheries -- British Columbia

abstract: This study investigated the effectiveness of using hatchery-raised northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) to supplement wild populations in Barkley Sound, BC. Densities of abalone were assessed at sites outplanted by the Bamfield Huu-ay-aht Community Abalone Project, and all fell at or below the suspected Allee threshold. The potential for improving outplanting success was then examined by releasing both larval and juvenile hatchery-reared individuals at different treatment densities and tracking their survival over time using cohort analyses and mark-recapture methods, respectively. Predators represented the major source of mortality for outplanted abalone and congregated at outplant sites. Tagging, handling, and temperature stress did not result directly in mortality. Juvenile abalone were particularly vulnerable in the first 24 hours after outplanting, experiencing 64 % mortality during that period. The behaviours of hatchery-raised abalone differed from those of wild individuals. I recommend outplanting 50,000 larvae/m2 or groups of 100 juveniles in predator exclosure cages.


title: Capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of Bisphenol A (BPA) in environmental waters

contributor: Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Science (Degree granting institution)

contributor: Cheeptham, Naowarat (Ann) (ncheeptham) (committee member)

format: electronic 182p electronic

subject: Bisphenol A -- Environmental aspects -- Canada

subject: Bisphenol A -- Environmental aspects -- United States

subject: Bisphenol A -- Health aspects -- Canada

subject: Bisphenol A -- Health aspects -- United States

subject: Bisphenol A -- Physiological effect -- Canada

subject: Bisphenol A -- Physiological effect -- United States

abstract: Bisphenol A (BPA) and its structural analogues (BPF, BPS, BPP, BPZ, BADGE, BPAF, BPAP) are used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Most of them have proven endocrine disruptive effects in humans and in other life forms in very low concentrations. BPA is of particular interest as it is mass produced and released into the environment as a result of human activity and accumulates in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Recent studies have revealed the presence of BPA in fresh water resources which is not only a threat to the fresh water ecosystems but also to humans because the usual source of drinking water is from rivers and streams. Presence of bisphenols in the environment is crucial and use of analytical techniques for their chemical separation and subsequent analysis is necessary for efficient environmental monitoring of these compounds. This study used capillary electrophoresis (CE) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to develop sensitive analytical protocols for quantification of BPA present in environmental, swimming pool and tap water samples from the Kamloops region. Standard addition and internal standard calibration approaches were used to quantify BPA in the water samples. In addition, a CE method was developed to simultaneously separate eight bisphenol analogues, BPA, BPF, BPS, BPZ, BPP, BPAP, BPAF and BADGE. Optimization of experimental parameters such as pH, buffer concentration, detection wavelength, applied voltage and buffer additives enabled the successful baseline separation of all the analogues.


title: Effects of competition, salinity and disturbance on the growth of Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) and Puccinellia nuttalliana (Nuttall's Alkaligrass)

contributor: Heise, Brian (bheise) (committee member)

contributor: Carlyle-Moses, Darryl (dcarlyle) (committee member)

contributor: Dickinson, Tom (tdickinson) (committee member)

format: electronic 73p electronic

subject: Kentucky bluegrass -- British Columbia

subject: Climate change -- Environmental aspects -- British Columbia

subject: Plant competition -- British Columbia

abstract: Climate change may reduce water levels in the interior wetlands and ponds of British Columbia, Canada, potentially changing aquatic and soil salt concentrations. An increase in salinity can reduce plant growth and affect competitive interactions between plants. A field experiment and a greenhouse experiment tested the effects of salinity and competition on the growth of two wetland plants, Poa pratensis (a glycophyte) and Puccinellia nuttalliana (a halophyte). For the field experiment, seedlings of Poa pratensis and Puccinellia nuttalliana were transplanted to six sites (two highly saline, two moderate, and two at low salinity) with and without plant neighbours. All sites were affected by high mortality and poor growth of the transplants. Survivorship was greater for plants grown alone. Biomass of plants grown alone was greatest at one of the moderate saline sites. The greenhouse experiment tested the response of P. nuttalliana and P. pratensis in a factorial design with 70 combinations (2 species x 7 salinity x 5 competition) replicated 6 times. Both of the species’ biomass was greatest when grown alone without salt. Species, salt type and competition had greatest effect on survivorship. P.nuttalliana displayed a greater degree of salt tolerance than P. pratensis. Re-growth after clipping was suppressed at higher salinities. I conclude that not only salt concentration but also ionic combinations can influence plant growth on interior saline wetland plant communities.

abstract: Poa pratensis

abstract: Puccinellia nuttalliana

abstract: salinity gradient

abstract: climate change

abstract: competitive importance

abstract: cattle grazing


title: Effects of the invasive plant spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe L.) on grassland arthropod communities: Use of genomic barcoding tools for ecosystems reclamation management

contributor: Higgins, Rob (rhiggins) (committee member)

contributor: Gosselin, Louis (lgosselin) (committee member)

format:
electronic
viii, 70 pages

subject: Spotted knapweed -- British Columbia

subject: Grassland invertebrates -- British Columbia

subject: Grassland ecology -- British Columbia

abstract: British Columbia’s (BC) grasslands are home to 30 percent of the province’s species at risk and are one of Canada’s most endangered ecosystems. In BC’s Southern interior, human activities such as mining, recreation, and in certain instances, heavy livestock grazing, are altering grassland ecosystems; the increased soil disturbance may leave them susceptible to the colonization of invasive species. Invasive species can cause changes to native plant communities and nutrient cycling, and by doing so, may alter the amount and quality of habitat available for animals such as arthropods. Arthropods are diverse and contribute to energy flow and nutrient cycling, and are therefore an important group to study as a way of determining the effects of changes to ecosystem function. Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe L.), a perennial forb native to Eastern Europe, is considered one of the most ecologically harmful invasive species in Western North America. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine if spotted knapweed is altering arthropod community structure and density in grassland habitats; and (2) to DNA metabarcode all arthropod specimens collected using methodology that could be implemented to expedite site restoration efforts. To address these objectives, pitfall traps were installed at sites that were colonized, in differing densities, by spotted knapweed, and DNA metabarcoding was conducted on specimens collected. The results suggest that spotted knapweed density indirectly correlates with arthropod functional groups through changes in plant community composition. These indirect effects show different correlations between the functional groups; suggesting that both top down and bottom up control is at play upon the introduction of spotted knapweed. Decreases in herbivore and detritivore biomass was associated with increasing spotted knapweed density. Omnivore, predator, and parasite biomass had more intricate interactions. DNA metabarcoding results indicated a more complex interaction between Orthoptera and spotted knapweed density than suggested by a simple positive correlation. All other arthropod orders sampled were not obviously influenced by spotted knapweed. This study describes a relatively rapid and inexpensive technique for monitoring arthropod biodiversity with a DNA metabarcoding methodology applicable to both invasive species conservation efforts and for guiding remediation work in disturbed grassland sites.

abstract: Remediation

abstract: Invasive plant

abstract: Arthropod

abstract: Functional groups

abstract: Metabarcoding

abstract: Grassland

abstract: Reclamation


title: Mine restoration of a native grassland plant community in the British Columbia interior: The use of biochar, hydroseeding and raking

contributor: Baldwin, Lyn (lybaldwin) (committee member)

contributor: Gardner, Wendy (wgardner) (committee member)

format: electronic 92p electronic

subject: Grassland restoration -- British Columbia

subject: Biochar -- British Columbia

subject: Grasslands -- British Columbia

subject: Species diversity -- British Columbia

subject: Grasslands -- Environmental aspects -- British Columbia

abstract:
The extraction of non-renewable resources results in disturbances which alter ecosystems and change landscapes. Semi-arid ecosystems create a unique challenge in the restoration of disturbed ecosystems, as they are water limited. To protect topsoil for future use, mines often strip and stockpile topsoil during the building of infrastructure. Soil amendments and site preparation have been shown to have positive effects in restoration efforts of these disturbed ecosystems. As well, soil preparation, such as tilling, imprinting, use of litter, and hydro-seeding have been used to increase germination and establishment in restoration.
In a greenhouse study, I looked at the effects of biochar as a soil amendment for improving growth of native species indigenous to the semi-arid grasslands of the BC interior. Biochar was mixed at 15% volume by weight to a mixture of 50/50 sand and stockpiled topsoil. Thirty grassland species were studied. Plants were grown in a temperature and humidity controlled greenhouse and harvested after 89 days of growth. Results indicated biochar had no effect on the above or below ground biomass of the native species studied.
My field study looked at the effects of raking and hydro-seeding on the establishment of native species on stockpiled topsoil. The field study was set up and seeded in the fall of 2012. The study consisted of sites raked, hydro-seeded and raked x hydro-seeded. Each factor was either seeded or not seeded with a native seed mixture of 12 forbs and 12 graminoids (200 seeds each) at a seeding density of 1200 seeds/m2. Seeding natives was found to significantly increase species richness and diversity. For native species overall as well as for the native forb and graminoid functional groups, the use of hydro-seeding showed no significant difference compared to the seeded control. Raking x seed increased establishment rates for native species overall as well as for the two native functional groups.
In conclusion, biochar did not have the intended effect of increased growth on the species studied from the BC interior semi-arid grasslands. However, further research should be conducted using larger pots, increased time, and biochar from different feedstocks. My field study demonstrated seeding of desirable species and site preparation are important aspects of restoration and can influence the direction of succession. However, hydro-seeding was found to have little benefit in the seeding of natives and is not recommended for use in the restoration of semi-arid grasslands. Management should include soil preparation by way of loosening and roughening the soil before seeding. Further techniques in soil preparation and landscaping should be explored to further increase germination and establishment success

abstract: restoration

abstract: raking

abstract: hydroseeding

abstract: biochar

abstract: semi-arid grassland

abstract: distrubance

abstract: diversity

abstract: species richness


title: Overwinter ecology of Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys Picta Bellii) in a Canadian reservoir

subject: Western painted turtles -- British Columbia

subject: Western painted turtle -- Hibernation -- British Columbia

subject: Western painted turtles -- Habitat -- British Columbia

subject: Animal populations -- British Columbia

abstract: Overwintering is a critical life-history stage for species inhabiting temperate environments characterized by harsh, cold winters lasting up to half the year or longer. Ectotherms, such as herpetofauna, display behavioural adaptations in order to survive winters. During this period of their life history, those animals occupying fluctuating environments, such as reservoirs, may face additional challenges. I studied the overwinter ecology of a population of Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) in a hydroelectric reservoir in British Columbia, Canada. My study built upon a preliminary study on the general ecology and population demographics of this population. This preliminary study identified variation in overwintering tactics between two water bodies within the reservoir – congregated and dispersive hibernation. The specific goals of my research were to (1) document more closely the variation in overwintering tactics occurring across the different subpopulations, (2) determine if the turtles in the subpopulations were experiencing and/or selecting different conditions during hibernation, and (3) determine if changes in reservoir levels during winter elicited response(s) in the turtles, and if so, examine how this relationship contributed to the use of different tactics. I focused on two locations within the reservoir that supported the overwhelming majority of turtles, and also included a small, isolated pond not influenced by the reservoir. By using radio telemetry to track turtles over two winters, my research identified variation in the overwintering tactics used between water bodies and years, and determined that overwintering tactics did not vary with water depth, temperature or dissolved oxygen. Turtles in all locations buried in the reservoir substrate for winter. Turtles displayed longer movements in winter than those documented in similar studies; however, these movements could not be correlated to changes in water levels. Body condition was comparable between the reservoir and reference water bodies yet population density and turtle size were notably higher in the non-reservoir location. In conclusion, this population of turtles exhibited behavioural plasticity in their overwintering tactics, and did not appear to be impacted by water level fluctuations in winter.

abstract: Western Painted Turtle

abstract: Chrysemys picta bellii

abstract: overwintering

abstract: behavioural plasticity

abstract: hibernation

abstract: northern

abstract: fluctuating

abstract: reservoir


title: Quantifying landscape connectivity using probability of connectivity response curves

format: 90p electronic electronic

subject: Landscape ecology -- Environmental aspects -- British Columbia

subject: Forests and forestry -- British Columbia

subject: Forest biodiversity -- British Columbia

abstract: Maintenance of habitat connectivity is recommended as a method of promoting biodiversity. A systematic manipulation of a simple theoretical landscape was used to assess how a landscape connectivity index responded to specific changes in habitat distribution. Quantifying the response of the index to changes in the spatial scale of dispersal is proposed as a method of objectively quantifying multiple aspects of landscape structure known to influence habitat connectivity. An ecosystem simulation model was used to assess if the index demonstrated the same patterns of response to changes in complex landscapes, and to quantify impact of logging distribution, roads, natural disturbances and habitat corridors. The high degree of sensitivity to the presence of roads, and the scale of response to different management scenarios highlight the value of the proposed index, and the sensitivity to the assumptions of habitat delineation used in index calculation.

abstract: connectivity

abstract: landscape ecology

abstract: forestry

abstract: biodiversity


title: Assessing climate change induced declines in ponds in British Columbia's semi-arid grasslands

contributor: Elliott, Nancy (nelliott) (committee member)

contributor: Gardner, Wendy (wgardner) (thesis advisor)

format: electronic 71p electronic

subject:
Ranching -- Canada -- British Columbia
Grasslands -- British Columbia

abstract: In British Columbia (BC), the ranching community has expressed a concern with observed declines in the number and surface area of grassland ponds used as drinking water sources for cattle during grazing. This study evaluates the extent of the observed declines in BC’s southern interior grasslands and determines the differences in groundwater – surface water (GW-SW) interactions between perennially and seasonally inundated ponds in the Lac du Bois grasslands. Using remote sensing techniques to compare historic and modern imagery, ponds from eight 100 km2 sites were evaluated. From 1992 – 2012, the total number and surface water area of ponds decreased by 63% and 54%, respectively within the eight sites. Due to the effects of climate change on wetlands worldwide it is expected that changes in climate are responsible for these declines. A climate data analysis of ClimateWNA modelled data for the eight sites showed a significant increase in air temperature and potential evapotranspiration (PET) from 1900 – 2012 implying an increased evaporative demand on surface water. Precipitation also increased significantly over this time period. However, low snowfall is reported for the 1992 – 2012 time period showing that there have been decreased snowmelt inputs available for GW - SW recharge. The field study in Lac du Bois highlighted the importance of GW - SW interactions in maintaining pond surface water. Wells and piezometers were installed in and around two perennially inundated ponds and two seasonally inundated ponds. It was determined that the perennially inundated ponds receive a persistent input from the local groundwater system allowing them to sustain surface water despite high evapotranspiration rates in the summer months. Conversely, groundwater inputs to seasonally inundated ponds are either temporary or non-existent and therefore they are highly dependent on the amount of input from the spring melt and are more vulnerable to summertime evapotranspiration. Our results are consistent with other studies that show that climate change has contributed to significant losses in wetlands worldwide.


title: Thermal influences on summer habitat use by Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Oreganus) in British Columbia

contributor: Church, John (jchurch) (committee member)

subject: Western rattlesnake -- Habitat -- British Columbia

subject: Western rattlesnake -- Migration -- British Columbia

subject: Body temperature -- Regulation

abstract:
The importance of thermal features to habitat selection by terrestrial ectotherms such as reptiles has been well documented, but rarely has it been considered in larger-scale analyses of habitat use and selection, such as those routinely conducted using more-standard habitat features such as vegetation types and physical structure.  Selection of habitat based on thermal attributes may be of particular importance for ectothermic species, especially in colder climates.  In British Columbia, Canada, Western Rattlesnakes ( Crotalus oreganus) reach their northern limits.  While commonly associated with low-elevation grasslands and open Ponderosa pine habitats, recent work indicates that some populations of these animals may use higher-elevation Douglas-fir forests. The reasons and implications for this strik ing contrast of habitat use patterns by these animals was the subject of this thesis.  I investigated the reason(s) for this phenomenon by monitoring the migratory movements of 35 snakes away from 10 di fferent den sites, and comparing it to thermal landscape GIS maps generated for different periods of the active season.  My work confirmed that dichotomous habitat use by denning populations of these snakes occurs throughout much of their range, and rattlesnakes in this region can no longer be strictly associated with grassland habitat.  I found that snakes utilizing the higher-elevation forests not only moved relatively further during the course of their annual migrations, but were also more likely to use warmer areas of the landscape during their annual migration.  In addition to thermal benefits, prey availability and/or outbreeding may be at least partially responsible for these patterns, but at this time there is limited data to test these alternative hypotheses. Regardless, snakes utilizing the higher-elevation forests had better body condition, indicating a definite advantage to this strategy . On a smaller scale, thermoregulatory behaviours appear to be less constrained by thermal factors in forest habitats, potentially allowing forest snakes increased time for
hunting and travelling. Insight into these and other behavioural differences between neighbouring rattlesnake populations will allow managers to tailor management strategies to specific dens. Finally, the local and landscape scale patterns I detected have obvious repercussions for snakes in the event climate change produces shifting ecosystem boundaries and thermal regimes.

abstract: migration

abstract: Western Rattlesnake

abstract: habitat use

abstract: thermoregulation


title: Small mammal communities in two grassland ecosystems in British Columbia, Canada

contributor: Larsen, Karl (klarsen) (committee member)

format: 87p electronic electronic

subject: Grasslands -- British Columbia

subject: Peromyscus maniculatus -- Ecology -- British Columbia

subject: Microtus -- British Columbia

subject: Peromyscus maniculatus -- Radio tracking -- British Columbia

subject: Microtus -- Radio tracking -- British Columbia

abstract: This study compared small mammal communities between upper and lower elevation grassland systems using mark-recapture, and examined third and fourth order resource selection of daytime refuge sites by deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in lower elevation grasslands using radio telemetry, near Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Small mammal densities showed high levels of variability. Deer mice were found in both habitat types, and survival rates between the two grassland types were not significantly different. Voles (Microtus spp.) were confined to the upper grasslands. Radio-collared deer mice selected daytime refuge sites in areas with increased slope and decreased litter (third order), at sites with large-diameter shrubs, decreased levels of bare ground and increased levels of coarse woody debris (fourth order). Land managers can use this information to begin filling knowledge gaps in species-specific recovery plans, and to help inform anthropogenic-related activities in grasslands so as to maintain rodent populations on the landscape.

abstract: British Columbia

abstract: grassland

abstract: mark-recapture

abstract: Microtus

abstract: Peromyscus maniculatus

abstract: radio telemetry

abstract: resource selection

abstract: small mammal


title: Habitat selection and occupancy patterns of American mink (Neovison Vison) during winter in north-central British Columbia, Canada

format: electronic 63p electronic

subject:
American mink -- Physiology
American mink -- British Columbia
American mink -- Anatomy
American mink --  Habitat selection

abstract: The spatial distributions of animals generally are affected by the availability of food, competition, predators, mates, and the need to communicate with conspecifics. Behavioural, physiological and morphological adaptations to these selecting agents have allowed members of the Order Carnivora (C. Mammalia) to occupy a wide range of environments, but at the same time, each combination of characteristics places constraints on the habitat a particular species is able to occupy. For example, many members of the Family Mustelidae are vulnerable to extreme temperatures as a result of their tubular body shape. The American mink (Neovison vison) likely faces these temperature constraints, being a smaller-bodied mustelid that ranges over a large portion of North America. Despite its large range, and its historical importance to the fur industry, the species has remained largely understudied in its native habitat. During 2011-2012, I conducted winter telemetry on 7 adult mink and used resource selection function models to assess habitat selection patterns while considering spatial scale and gender. I found that at a larger scale, the animals’ use of habitat was strongly linked to riparian features, whereas this effect was less noticeable at a fine scale. The larger males selected more lakeshore habitat, whereas the smaller females generally were near streams in more forested areas. I suggest this spatial separation could be linked to an inability of females to forage aquatically in winter as a result of their smaller body size. This may make females more sensitive to competition from other forest carnivores as well as impacts from resource development activities. During winter 2013, I surveyed for mink using remote cameras (n=37) deployed in riparian habitat, including lakeshore/stream confluences. I found that fish-bearing streams positively affected mink occupancy, while the amount of older (>40yrs) coniferous forests had a negative relationship with mink occupancy. I postulate that while mink seem to occur at high densities in altered ecosystems and in areas where they are invasive, in their native range these animals are limited by environmental constraints (low winter temperatures) and competitive pressures in the system. Future work on mink and other carnivores should explore interspecific interactions in addition to habitat selection in order to develop more robust monitoring and management practices.

abstract: body size

abstract: gender

abstract: habitat selection

abstract: native range

abstract: Neovison vison

abstract: vision

abstract: occupancy

abstract: spatial scale

abstract: winter

abstract: American mink

abstract: Neovison vison


title: Determining the extent to which weather-related abiotic factors influence daily variation in early benthic phase mortality of intertidal marine invertebrates

contributor: Gosselin, Louis (lgosselin) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Noakes, Donald (dnoakes) (committee member)

format: electronic 74p electronic

subject: Ontogeny

subject: Marine invertebrates -- British Columbia

subject: Marine invertebrates -- Effects of stress on

subject: Animals -- Mortality -- British Columbia

abstract:
Populations of marine intertidal invertebrates vary substantially in abundance from year to year. These differences might be partly due to cohorts experiencing 60 – 99% mortality during the first few days after the transition from pelagic to benthic environments. However, the causes of this mortality, including the role of weather conditions experienced during low tide, are not well understood. This study aimed to improve our understanding of the influence of low tide environmental stress on survival through the early benthic phase by (1) determining the influence of temperature and desiccation stress on mortality of newly settled mussels and the ontogeny of sensitivity to these stresses through the early benthic phase; (2) examining the mortality of barnacle cyprids from settlement to metamorphosis and mortality of early juveniles up to the age of 10 days after metamorphosis; and (3) documenting the frequency of occurrence of lethal conditions occurring in the field at low tide during the recruitment season.
Laboratory experiments revealed that newly settled Mytilus trossulus of 1-2 mm shell length experienced a temperature tolerance threshold at 34°C and a desiccation tolerance threshold at a vapour pressure deficit level of 1.01 kPa. Mussels became highly tolerant to desiccation stress when they reached a size of 3 mm shell length, suggesting a size threshold of desiccation tolerance between 2-3 mm shell length. This size closely corresponds to the size at which some studies have reported juvenile M. trossulus relocate from protective filamentous algal habitat to adult habitat, suggesting ontogenetic shifts in habitat use by juvenile M. trossulus may be a response to changing vulnerability to desiccation stress.
A field survey of Balanus glandula recruitment revealed that cyprid and juvenile mortality varied greatly among daily cohorts and was significantly higher under Fucus spp. cover than on bare surfaces. Contrary to expectations, cyprid mortality was not significantly influenced by weather-related abiotic conditions. This was likely due to the study being conducted during a La Niña cycle that may have had lower temperature and desiccation stress than is typical for Barkley Sound.
Intertidal temperatures above the threshold tolerance levels for newly settled mussels were uncommon during the recruitment season, suggesting that temperature stress is not likely an important factor influencing early benthic phase mortality of mussels. The desiccation stress threshold level for newly settled mussels was frequently exceeded for several hours during the recruitment season, however, suggesting that desiccation stress may be an important factor influencing early benthic phase mortality in mussels that settle on open surfaces. In contrast, cyprid mortality on bare surfaces was not significantly influenced by desiccation stress or any other weather-related abiotic factors. I concluded that the survival of newly settled mussels likely depends upon the presence of protective microhabitats created by filamentous and fucoid algae, whereas barnacles experience reduced survival through the early benthic phase in the presence of fucoid algae. Changes in survival of these algae due to climate change could therefore have extensive influence on mortality through the early benthic phase and may subsequently affect population and community structure.

abstract: early post-settlement mortality

abstract: mortality factors

abstract: ontogenetic shift

abstract: physiological stress

abstract: marine invertebrates

abstract: desiccation

abstract: temperature

abstract: climate change


title: The impact of climate change on the lives of poor migrants to Dhaka City

contributor: Tsigaris, Peter (ptsigaris) (committee member)

format: electronic 79p electronic

subject: Slums -- Bangladesh -- Dhaka

subject: Migration, Internal -- Bangladesh -- Dhaka

subject: Climatic changes -- Bangladesh -- Dhaka

abstract: For low-lying Bangladesh, climate change is not just a harbinger of devastation. Effects of climate change are seen in the form of flood, drought and cyclone and this not only leaves irreparable damages but also gives rise to a mass number of climate refugees or environmentally displaced people. Due to direct and indirect impacts of climate change, the propensity for city-centric migration is increasing. This rural-urban migration partly occurs as migrants seek for a healthier place to settle down and the assessment is done by trying to find relatively better social, economic and environmental conditions in the city areas. This research is an intensive exploration of the lives in slums in Dhaka City, where a significant percentage of the dwellers are climate-affected drifters. It scrutinizes the livelihood problems that migrants face after coming to Dhaka City slums and how their problems are intensified due to climate change. The study uses four slums at Bosila, Korail, Badda, and Agargaon in Dhaka. It investigates the reasons for migration and the socio-economic and health problems the migrants face afterwards. The research also answers questions to what challenges they face in the process and what coping mechanisms they adopt to combat them. In addition to primary data, secondary data from various books, journals, and other sources were also analyzed to probe into the issue. The study hypothesizes that climate induced migrants to Dhaka City slums are not immune to miseries from further climate related problems. The analysis adjudicated that there is a major void in the implementation of rules, regulations, and policies from different levels of governing bodies, and therefore, the slum dwellers are prone to scores of socio-economic & health related problems due to environmental change.

abstract: migration

abstract: urban slums

abstract: Dhaka City

abstract: Bangladesh

abstract: climate change


title: Global climate change: Perspectives in the BC cattle ranching industry

contributor: Fraser, Lauchlan (lfraser) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Androkovich, Robert (randrokovich) (committee member)

contributor: Mahbobi, Mohammad (mmahbobi) (committee member)

format: electronic 123p electronic

subject: Ranching -- British Columbia

subject: Ranching -- Environmental aspects -- British Columbia

subject: Climate change -- Policy

abstract: A quantitative analysis of the BC cattle ranching community in light of global climate change provides insight as to how stakeholder needs and observations can be included in future planning. This analysis is an important first step towards an understanding of existing capacity and identifying areas of focus. Over sixty percent of survey respondents believe that human activities are increasing the rate at which global climate changes occur. Cattle ranchers operating for less than 20 years were more likely to agree that human activities are increasing the rate of global climate change on comparison to those operating more than 40 years. This may be a reflection of the fact that the concept of climate change has gained more public acceptance in the past two decades and would likely be perceived as a legitimate risk to an operation by those in this category in comparison to those who have been operating for a long period of time and tend to rely on experiential or embedded knowledge. Operation scale in terms of head of cattle appears to influence perceptions of localized climate variation on rangelands due to global climate change and changes in forage productivity and quality on a regional scale. Regional analysis provided some areas of potential focus for programs that would assist producers in further adapting to changes in climate. Movement towards building adaptive capacity must be a collaborative effort. Including experiential and scientific knowledge will be crucial to reducing the vulnerability of this sector and building adaptive capacity.

abstract: climate change

abstract: vulnerability

abstract: adaptive capacity

abstract: range management

abstract: British Columbia

abstract: livestock

abstract: policy


title: Elucidation of the biochemical factors governing the enzymatic desulfonation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate: Purification and enzymatic characterization of Escherichia and Gordonia monooxygenases

contributor: Van Hamme, Jonathan (jvanhamme) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Bottos, Eric (ebottos) (committee member)

contributor: Brewer, Sharon (sbrewer) (committee member)

contributor: Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Science (Degree granting institution)

format:
electronic
xi, 193 pages

abstract: Fluorotelomer sulfonate degradation is thought to be a rate limiting step in the degradation of fluorinated surfactants in activated sludge wastewater treatment. Aliphatic sulfonates are structurally similar to fluorotelomer sulfonates and are partially degraded by alkanesulfonate monooxygenases. To understand the metabolism of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA), two nitrilotriacetate monooxygenases (ISGA 1218 and 1222) from Gordonia NB4-1Y, along with the Escherichia coli alkanesulfonate monooxygenase (SsuD) were cloned into the pMAL-c2 and pET28b protein production vectors, purified, given the E. coli flavin reductase (Fre) as a source of reduced flavin production and challenged in vitro with octane sulfonate and 6:2 FTSA. A combination of gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and spectrophotometry revealed that ISGA 1218 and 1222 were inactive against octane sulfonate and 6:2 FTSA; SsuD, however, was active against both octane sulfonate and 6:2 FTSA, removing up to 120 μM of added octane sulfonate and up to 130 μM 6:2 FTSA during a two hour reaction at room temperature. These data are preliminary, however, suggest sulfite is produced as a product of 6:2 FTSA degradation and likely represents the first evidence of the biochemical transformation of fluorinated surfactants by a purified bacterial enzyme. Further, Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) was found to tentatively grow on 6:2 FTSA prepared in water as a sole source of sulfur reaching OD660 of 0.32 as compared to 0.15 of the no sulfur treatment after 48 hours. Attempts to produce Gordonia NB4-1Y mutants via conjugation or electroporation with pK18mobsacB1218A or pK18mobsacB1222AB were unsuccessful. Transformation of 6:2 FTSA by SsuD suggests the ssu operon in E. coli is responsible for the desulfonation of fluorotelomer sulfonates and presents the ssuABC system as a potentially versatile model to study the in vivo import of fluorotelomer sulfonates. Furthermore, assignment of 6:2 FTSA degradation to the ssu operon suggests that fluorotelomer sulfonate degradation may be enriched under sulfur starvation conditions. Identifying the enzymes responsible for aliphatic sulfonate degradation in Gordonia NB4-1Y is paramount to understanding the metabolism of fluorinated surfactants by this bacterium. Here we present one luciferase-like class flavin-dependent oxidoreductase (ISGA 08960) as candidate for further biochemical analysis.

abstract: monooxygenase

abstract: 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (FTSA)

abstract: alkanesulfonate monooxygenase (SsuD)

abstract: Gordonia NB4-1Y

abstract: protein purification

abstract: cloning


title: Possible benefits of adventure therapy on those with Alzheimer's and dementia

contributor: Webster, Reid (rwebster) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Cloutier, Ross (rcloutier) (committee member)

contributor: Wallin, Mark Rowell (mwallin) (committee member)

contributor: Thompson Rivers University Interdisciplinary Studies (Degree granting institution)

format:
electronic
v, 32 pages

subject:
Adventure therapy -- Canada
Alzheimer's disease -- Patients
Dementia

abstract: This project examines the potential of adventure therapy as an adjunct treatment to medication for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia as a way to positively impact their quality of life. The research identifies common underlying mechanisms of adventure therapy that that correspond with therapeutic considerations for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is proposed that adventure therapy shows significant potential for being a beneficial form of therapy for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This literature review also provides the foundation for developing and implementing a tailor made Alzheimer’s adventure therapy program in Canada and future research designs.


title: Land, people, and place: Ethnobotany in Secwepemcúl'ecw

contributor: Baldwin, Lyn (lybaldwin) (committee member)

format:
electronic
vi, 65 pages

subject: Ethnobotany -- North America

subject: Indigenous peoples -- British Columbia -- Health and hygiene

abstract:
This project arose as a personal response to the overwhelming over-representation of Indigenous peoples in statistics on health crises. We hear so often about how Indigenous peoples are less healthy and more subject to health inequalities than our non-Indigenous neighbors. As a result, I began research on ethnobotany and the idea of traditional medicine restoration being part of a solution. In this paper I argue for a healthcare system that will validate Indigenous healing as equally authoritative to Western approaches to health and wellbeing, rather than dismissive of them. Ethnobotany mediates the relationship with land, souls and self while colonialism obscures the importance and relevance of Indigenous consciousness. Health issues faced by many Indigenous peoples are a direct reflection of the lasting impacts of colonialism, assimilation policy, ethnocide and genocide. Solving these health problems rooted in this horrible past and the intergenerational traumas left in their wake, requires not just acknowledging truth and reconciling differences, but a social transformation whereby dominant settler colonial society validates indigeneity and First Nations ways of being and knowing as equal epistemological systems. “For the First Peoples of Canada, the past cannot be forgotten, deliberately overlooked, or discarded as no longer relevant. The past is still present, but in a different form that must be
addressed again in the new conditions in which it appears, now and into the future” (Task Force on Aboriginal Languages and Cultures, 2005, p. 24). Thus I view this thesis as an act of resistance against colonial knowledge forms. It looks to create space for, and validate, Indigenous epistemologies. The acknowledgment of different ways of being and knowing as equals to colonial knowing will forever change the way Canadian Indigenous peoples are understood, respected and will lead to healing of the intergenerational trauma imposed on our Indigenous peoples. The breaking of hegemony and racist discourse that engulfs society today
starts with every individual person in society taking a stand and being able to acknowledge and see these almost undetectable systems that still today assimilate and marginalize First Nations. This research project is the embodiment of a journey to acceptance and healing through personal discovery and the justification that we live in a world that needs to adopt diversity as second nature.


title: Scapular and thoracic placement in kayaking

contributor: Osberg, Sarah (sosberg) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Stewart-Patterson, Iain (spatterson) (committee member)

contributor: Rakobowchuk, Mark (mrakobowchuk) (committee member)

contributor: Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Arts (Degree granting institution)

format:
electronic
61 pages

subject:
Kayaking
Wounds and injuries -- Prevention
Scapula

abstract: Anatomical understanding is needed in kayaking scapular and thoracic placement, key elements to the forward stroke, to provide a more insightful understanding of the frequent amount of injuries to these areas, and hopefully quell them. What can be done to help serious kayakers see the forward stroke from a biological standpoint with limited resources to address this topic directly? With more information and references, kayakers will have a better chance of  breaking down kayak motion and be able to use that knowledge to enhance their kayaking life. With adventure sports, the body is an especially vital tool. Kayaking performance becomes very poor with shoulder and back dysfunction; this is like a car with flat tires. A well-functioning body, aided by relevant human biological knowledge is useful to the adventurous kayaker to help propel the craft forward. Kayakers typically have very limited understanding of human anatomy and physiology. They tend to have a strong outdoor knowledge yet a weak knowledge of their own indoors. Once hurt, or anatomically displaced, the kayaker knows he or she has a shoulder problem but may not know how to solve it. This is detrimental to their careers, expeditions, and sense of self. Kinesiology specializes in human motion but does not normally know what motions, forces, and other technical involvements are particular to kayaking. This paper aims to bridge a barrier so that the kayaker can understand how “their tires are aerated.”

abstract: Forward Stroke

abstract: Injury Prevention

abstract: Scapula

abstract: Thoracic

abstract: Kayak

abstract: Biomechanics


title: Understanding the motivations of millennials in participating in wine tourism: A case study of the Kamloops wine trail

contributor: Hull, John S. (John Hull (jhull)) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Thompson Rivers University Department of the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism Management (Degree granting institution)

format:
electronic
ix, 105 pages
electronic

subject: Wine tourism -- British Columbia -- Kamloops

subject: Generation Y -- Motivation (Psychology)

abstract: Tourism has become one of the world’s largest and fastest growing contributors to the global economy, with Millennials being the industry’s largest market segment. As for most people, experiencing local culture and traditions is one of the main motivators to travel, thus resulting in an increased demand in gastronomic tourism. Introducing Millennials to wine tourism and understanding their motivation for participation is a crucial part to ensure the industry’s future growth. This research paper reviews literature vis-à-vis the tourism industry in Canada, one of the emerging destinations for culinary tourism. Special attention is drawn to wine tourism, wine tourist profiles and travel motivations, as well as the development and growth of wine tourism in British Columbia, which is one of the country’s major players in the wine industry. A case study on the Kamloops Wine Trail, British Columbia’s latest addition to wine tourism development, focuses on the Millennial Generation of students at Thompson Rivers University in engaging in local wine tourism practices. The results identify product related experiences as the main motivation for Millennials to participate in wine tourism, as well as the components of socializing and enjoying the natural setting as important attributes of a wine experience. By profiling the Millennial wine tourists who are dominantly female, the research provides recommendations for the participating wineries on the Kamloops Wine Trail to enhance their marketing strategy. Results indicate that Millennials rely on personal testimonials and recommendations when choosing to visit a winey yet are reluctant to share own experiences on social media.

abstract: Wine tourism British Columbia

abstract: Millennials

abstract: Kamloops Wine Trail

abstract: Wine tourist profile


title: Throwing like a girl: An interdisciplinary examination of agents of socialization and their influence on girls and women in sports

contributor: Penny Light, Tracy (Tracy Penny Light (tpennylight)) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Farough, Dawn (Dawn Farough (dfarough)) (committee member)

contributor: Thompson Rivers University Department of Interdisciplinary Studies (Degree granting institution)

contributor: Soberlak, Peter (Peter Soberlak (Psoberlak)) (committee member)

contributor: Wallin, Mark Rowell (Mark Wallin (mwallin)) (committee member)

format:
electronic
vi, [1], 77 pages
electronic

subject:
Sports for women
Sex discrimination against women
Sports -- Sociological aspects

abstract: Sport has traditionally served as a venue in which masculine traits are favored over feminine ones. In society in general, men are expected to be strong, aggressive and confident while women are seen as more fragile, weak and docile. These expectations are reflected in the expectations of men and women in the sporting realm. The purpose of this paper is to examine the social construction of gender and how it applies to women in sport. This thesis looks at the social construction of gender in sport as a way of excluding women from participating fully. It also examines two key agents of socialization, physical education and the media, which perpetuate gendered ideals and contribute to how women and girls understand their gender in respect to sport. Themes of sexualization, trivialization, gender roles and stereotypes and underrepresentation of women athletes in the media are recurring and important to recognize when looking to affect change and make sport a more welcoming place for girls and women. A content analysis was conducted of the National Post and Globe and Mail throughout a two week period to examine how these themes were carried out in the mainstream media and how they are reproduced in the two sites of socialization. It was found that in order to get more girls and women involved in physical activity and sport, increased coverage of women's sports as well as a variety of sports are important to showcase what types of activities are available to them. Attention needs to be paid to the performance of the female athlete rather than her appearance or personal life in order to avoid trivialization. Also, changing the narrative surrounding the concept of femininity and what a woman is capable of is crucial in changing the attitudes surrounding women in sport. Addressing this issue early in schools is key in achieving more acceptance for women in sport.


title: Reflective journaling and natural history as tools for developing ecological identity

contributor: Learie, Sharman (slearie) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Caton, Kellee (kcaton) (committee member)

format:
electronic
v, 83 pages
electronic

subject:
Human ecology
Diaries -- Authorship
Natural history

abstract: The autoethnographic nature of this research combines my personal experience and reflections as the primary participant in a qualitative analysis on reflection and identity development. This research paper will explore the use of reflective journaling, combined with natural history practices, as effective tools in developing an ecological identity. The literature review will explore experiential learning, reflection and reflective journaling, and natural history practices and methodologies which, when combined, form a holistic understanding of this research. Biophilia and ecological identity will also be explored to further the understanding of what constitutes a meaningful relationship with the natural world and how we see ourselves in relation to it. I will analyze two journals that I wrote over an eight month period to attempt to identify development of reflective ability and the existence/development of an ecological identity within myself. This research is significant in demonstrating value of qualitative research, and will ideally assist me in understanding how I can address the crisis of perception between economy and ecology within myself, and in turn, how I can promote this understanding in others.


title: Investigating student talk for productive disciplinary engagement during remote access to an analytical instrument

contributor: Rees, Carol (Carol Rees (crees)) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Lidster, Susan (Susan Lidster (slidster)) (thesis advisor)

contributor: Brewer, Sharon (Sharon Brewer (sbrewer)) (committee member)

contributor: Cinel, Bruno (Bruno Cinel (bcinel)) (committee member)

contributor: Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Education and Social Work (Degree granting institution)

format:
electronic
vi, 78 pages
electronic

subject:
Motivation in education
Effective teaching
Conversation analysis
Dialogue analysis

abstract: This study investigated types of student engagement evident in discourse between students and facilitators in a grade eight class during their participation in a remote laboratory activity accessing an analytical instrument in a university chemistry laboratory from their classroom using the internet. Students were divided into six groups of three for the activity and their conversations with facilitators were video and audio recorded. Interaction analysis indicated occurrence of types of engagement as defined by the productive disciplinary engagement model and frequencies were determined. Results indicate that groups differed in the levels and types of engagement that they demonstrated. Pearson correlations demonstrated a significant positive relationship between engagement and student talk, and engagement and facilitator talk. Two groups demonstrated movement toward productive disciplinary engagement. Conversation analysis of these two examples suggests that dialogic interactions with a facilitator may be helpful in supporting students moving towards productive disciplinary engagement.

abstract: remote laboratories

abstract: engagement

abstract: productive disciplinary engagement

abstract: discourse analysis

abstract: conversation analysis

abstract: dialogic interactions


identifier: u2: Faculty of Education and Social Work

title: Faculty and ESL student perceptions of academic linguistic and cultural preparedness: Exploring effective teaching practices for academic ESL students

contributor: Ramirez, Gloria (grameriz) (committee member)

format: electronic 116p electronic

subject: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers

abstract:
This thesis reports on a mixed-methods research study based on faculty and English as a Second Language (ESL) students’ perceptions of ESL students’ linguistic and cultural preparedness for academics in a Canadian university. Research has shown dramatic differences between English for academic purposes (EAP) and academic disciplines in environments, instructional approaches, and faculty expectations and reported on the challenges and needs of ESL students in academic programs; however, only limited research has investigated how academic instructors can adapt to better meet the needs of ESL students.
By surveying and interviewing first-year undergraduate ESL students and interviewing academic faculty, this project examines the gaps in ESL students’ academic skills and cultural knowledge. In addition, the study considers implications for current teaching practices and recommends ways in which academic faculty and the institution can better support ESL students. The research questions were: (a) How do teachers in the undergraduate programs perceive the linguistic preparedness of ESL students in their undergraduate courses? (b) How do ESL students who are enrolled in first year academic courses perceive their linguistic preparedness for their current field of study? (c) What are effective teaching practices instructors can use in the academic programs of universities to support ESL students? and (d) Which are the factors involved in the success of ESL students in their undergraduate courses?
Based on the results of a mixed-methods methodology, I offer implications for teaching, and provide a number of recommendations to improve the quality of instruction. I offer recommendations around the following themes: online resources (e.g. Moodles for courses); communication and relationship building (e.g. group work, marks for participation, and office hour conferencing); time constraints; language and cultural support services; and admission requirements. The recommendations are based on an analysis of findings in the study and literature reviewed. Furthermore, I suggest ways to improve policy and practice in institutional and faculty development. Finally, I suggest issues and areas for further research.

abstract: ESL students

abstract: academic culture

abstract: academic literacy

abstract: ESL