NSIS Volume 42

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10222/70916

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Proceedings of The NSIS Sessions including Presidential addresses and reports from the Council Officers: Seesion 2000-2001; Session 2001-2002; and Session 2002-2003
(The Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) The Nova Scotian Institute of Science
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William John Dyer (1913-2003)
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Bligh, E. Graham
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Stirling G. Whiteway (1927-2001)
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004)
Open Access
John Gray Aldous (1916-2002)
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Gordon, Joleen; Gordon, Donald C.
Open Access
Ultrastructure and Characteristics of a Deep-Sea Bacterium
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Henrietta, Mann; Bhavleen, Kaur
The ultrastructure of a bacterium, isolated from rusticles found on the wreck of the Royal Mail Steamship (R.M.S.) Titanic, was studied. The bacterium was rod-shaped, gram-negative and produced circular, off-white, opaque colonies on marine agar. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the bacterium had a typical gram-negative cell wall structure; the nucleoid region was scattered throughout the cytoplasm and darkly stained inclusions were found in the cytoplasm. Negative staining illustrated the presence of 2-6 peritrichous flagella on the bacterium. This bacterial isolate may be part of transient consortia involved in the formation of the rusticles.
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The Nova Scotian Institute of Science Student Awards 2003
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004)
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Gene Expression During Indirect Somatic Embryogenesis of Plants
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Estabrooks, Tammy; Dong, Zhongmin
Somatic embryogenesis is the process by which somatic cells are induced into an embryogenic state, followed by differentiation into embryos. Somatic embryogenesis, in addition to being a method of propagation, can serve as an experimental tool for research into plant embryo development. This is a review of the current literature on in vitro plant somatic embryogenesis and the molecular advances made to identify genes expressed during the various stages of this process. Some factors hindering the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying somatic embryogenesis are discussed.
Open Access
Reserve Planning on Private Land Holdings of the Forestry Company Stora Port Hawsbury Limited: Cape Breton Island and Eastern Mainland Nova Scotia
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Miller, Christopher A.
The forestry company, Stora Port Hawkesbury Limited, owns 280 properties throughout Cape Breton Island and eastern mainland Nova Scotia with a total cumulative area of 24 590 ha. This study utilized a coarse filter analysis to determine which of these land holdings support representative and outstanding natural features compatible with the creation of a system of privately-owned nature reserves. Aerial photographs were used to document each property. Approximately 35% of the private land holdings were caught by the coarse filter to be considered candidate protected sites. Significant features identified include old-growth forests, wetlands, ravines, headwaters, lakeshores, coastlines, lagoons, talus slopes, forested floodplains, ephemeral rivers, oxbow lakes, riparian zones, and mountain barrens. Other studies have subdivided Nova Scotia into a series of 80 distinct natural landscape units, most of which have few or no protected areas. A Stora-owned system of nature reserves could help fill significant representation gaps within the province-wide system of protected areas, since nearly three-quarters of landscape units containing Stora properties are inadequately represented with existing protected sites. Other Stora-owned properties are located along significant waterways or positioned adjacent to larger existing protected areas. Later stages of this project will field-verify interpretations of the coarse filter analysis and further refine the list of candidate protected sites presented here.
Open Access
Freshwater Fish Considerations for Aquatic Conservation Systems Planning In Nova Scotia
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Kann, Yoichiro; Beazley, Karen
Freshwater ecosystems have suffered severe losses of biodiversity as a result of human activities, however there has been limited attention to freshwater conservation planning. Key criteria for biodiversity conservation in the terrestrial realm (i.e., representation, special elements and focal species) may also be useful in freshwater systems. Thus, we explore freshwater fish conservation in Nova Scotia (NS) with respect to these key criteria. Representation of freshwater fish habitats and communities should include examples of typical and unique biogeographical regions, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and community assemblages. Special elements include critical habitat for species- and communities-at-risk, and hotspots of diversity and rarity. Sufficient habitat to maintain viable populations of focal species should also be conserved. Focal species 1) are functionally important, such as those at higher trophic levels and key prey, 2) have large-area requirements or are wide ranging, 3) are indicators of habitat quality and/or management practices, and 4) are flagships, such as charismatic and vulnerable species that garner support for aquatic conservation. Considerations of representation, special elements and focal species serve to identify important areas for conserving freshwater fish species, assemblages and habitat in NS. Intolerant and coldwater communities and species such as Atlantic whitefish Coregonus huntsmani, Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, lake trout Salvelinus namaycush and rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax warrant conservation attention in NS due to their relatively high ecological importance and/or vulnerability. Other factors for selecting among potential sites for conservation are stability and resilience to broader cross- or transboundary threats such as exotic species, global warming, and acidification. Furthermore, as a consequence of the fluidity and connectivity of aquatic ecosystems, conservation planning should encompass a relatively large portion of selected drainages. Our approach may be useful for other temperate regions in North America.
Open Access
A Report on a Conservation Planning Process for a Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Vision in Nova Scotia
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Beazley, Karen; Willison, Martin; Long, Robert; MacKay, Paula
In May of 1999, a workshop was held to lay the groundwork for a conservation plan to maintain and restore terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The products of the workshop include vision maps and recommendations for biodiversity conservation in Nova Scotia. The wild lands conservation vision identifies existing protected areas, areas suitable for filling gaps in the representation of natural landscape types, and other areas of significant ecological value. Four types of conservation areas are proposed: 1) core areas, to be managed primarily for ecological processes; 2) connectivity zones between core areas; 3) aquatic/marine zones around islands, headlands, bays, lakes and rivers; and, 4) compatible use zones, which provide a buffer function while allowing for human uses. The wild seas conservation vision includes five conservation categories: 1) marine management units; 2) marine protected areas (MPA’s) selected with particular attention to the benthic zones (ocean floor); 3) core “no take” zones in areas of unique or sensitive features, species or assemblages; 4) a special management zone for larval retention; and, 5) a “no-dragger” zone to protect fragile deep sea corals.
Open Access
Road Density and the Potential Impact on Wildlife Species such as American Moose in Mainland Nova Scotia
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Beazley, Karen F.; Snaith, Tamaini V.; MacKinnon, Frances; David, Colville
Habitat conversion, degradation and fragmentation, and the introduction of exotic species are among the primary factors causing the loss of biodiversity. Road density is a valuable indicator of these anthropogenic factors. Deleterious biological effects extend more than 1000 metres from roads, and road density of 0.6 km/km2 has been identified as an apparent threshold value above which natural populations of certain large vertebrates decline. Road density assessments in Nova Scotia indicate that many areas exceed this threshold. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicate relationships between road density, moose pellet distribution, and habitat suitability values. Road density has a statistically significant negative correlation with moose pellets, such that as road density increases, the probability of moose pellet presence decreases. Road density alone and road density in combination with habitat suitability index values predict the presence of moose pellets, whereas habitat suitability values alone do not. Thus, road density may be an indicator of moose habitat selection or effectiveness in mainland Nova Scotia. Biodiversity conservation activities in Nova Scotia and elsewhere could focus on discouraging further road densities above 0.6 km/km2; protecting remaining roadless and low road density areas; minimizing new road construction, especially in natural areas; decommissioning and regenerating old logging roads; increasing buffer zones between natural areas and roads; and providing road crossings for wildlife in the form of under and overpasses.
Open Access
Developing an Index of Sustainable Coldwater Streams Using Fish Community Attributes in River Philip, Nova Scotia
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Kanno, Yoichiro; MacMillan, John Leland
An Index of Sustainable Coldwater Streams (ISCS) was developed to quantify fish community changes affected by water temperature and physical habitat quality for small streams in the River Philip Watershed, Nova Scotia. The ISCS was modified from an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) and intended for assessing the quality of streams as coldwater habitats. The calibration of the ISCS was thought useful since global warming and habitat degradation, two major aquatic threats in the coming era, could significantly reduce the amount of undisturbed coldwater streams in Nova Scotia; thus, a tool was necessary to identify fish species vulnerable to these threats and to monitor fish community changes in relation to water temperature and physical habitat quality. There was a strong negative correlation between water temperature and physical habitat quality, and water temperature increase and habitat degradation replaced coldwater fish assemblages dominated by salmonids with warmwater and/or tolerant fish assemblages, coupled with increased total species richness. The proposed ISCS is composed of five metrics: (1) number of fish species, (2) percent of individuals that are salmonids, (3) percent of individuals that are brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), (4) percent of individuals that are white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), and (5) percent of individuals that are catchable salmonids (age 2 years and older). The ISCS is a promising index to identify priority conservation areas and to monitor changes in aquatic environments.
Open Access
The Distribution, Status and Habitat Associations of Moose in Mainland Nova Scotia
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Snaith, Tamaini V.; Beazley, Karen F.
Throughout the Nova Scotia mainland, small and fragmented moose populations remain at varying densities and may be limited or regulated by a number of factors including interspecific competition, disease, habitat alteration/loss, mineral toxicity/deficiency, predation, poaching, and resource availability. Ranging behaviour and habitat requirements vary according to environmental factors; however, moose require food and cover in sufficient quantity and of appropriate interspersion to meet their daily and seasonal needs. Mature forest with a well developed understory, and open areas with early successional vegetation provide forage, while dense forest provides cover from thermal stress and deep snow. Strategies for moose conservation, such as through forest management, should concentrate on the preservation and enhancement of habitat to meet the critical requirements of viable moose populations and the re-establishment of connections among discrete populations.
Open Access
Status and Management of Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii) in Nova Scotia
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Leonard, Marty; Boyne, Andrew; Boates, Sherman
The most important breeding colonies for endangered roseate terns in Canada occur on coastal islands in Nova Scotia. The main threat to productivity at these sites appears to be predation, particularly from gulls. The goal of this paper is twofold: 1) to present the results of recent roseate tern surveys in Nova Scotia and 2) to report on the results of a non-lethal gull control program at one of the main breeding sites in the province. The results of the surveys suggest that the number of breeding pairs (approximately 130) in the province has remained relatively stable, and is similar to numbers reported 20 years ago. Breeding sites have, however, fluctuated in number from a high of 10 sites in 1999 to a low of 3 in 2003. Although the concentration of birds to few locations makes some management options easier, it also increases their vulnerability to chance events. The non-lethal gull control program initiated on Country Island in 1998 has proven relatively successful, resulting in an increase in the numbers of breeding common, arctic and roseate terns on the island and a decrease in predation of tern eggs and chicks. Although this program has been effective in reducing predation, it must be maintained in the long-term if these birds are to breed successfully.
Open Access
Changes in Populations of Nesting Seabirds on the Bird Islands, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) McCorquodale, David B.; Banks, Dan B.; Kerr, Matthew I.; Knapton, Richard W.; Harris, David L.
The Bird Islands support the largest colonies of nesting seabirds in Nova Scotia. From a continental perspective the islands host one of the largest Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) colonies in North America and a significant Razorbill (Alca torda) colony. However the islands are best known for nesting Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica). Populations of all species have changed over the past 75 years, none so dramatically as Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). Kittiwakes colonized the islands 20 years ago and are now the most numerous nesting seabirds. Two other recent colonists, Herring (Larus argentatus) and Great Black-backed Gulls (L. marinus) are the next most common nesting species on the islands. In contrast the small colony of Common Murres (Uria aalge) and the large colonies of Arctic (Sterna paradisaea) and Common Terns (S. hirundo) of the 1920s have disappeared. Here we present recent estimates of breeding populations and summarize the data on changes in populations in the past 75 years based on a review of the literature, and surveys conducted from boats circumnavigating the islands during 11 different years from 1976 until 2000. The changes in breeding populations of seabirds on the Bird Islands show that their importance for conservation has changed through the years. For example in the 1920s about one third of all nesting Double-crested Cormorants in Nova Scotia were on the Bird Islands. In 1933 no Great Cormorants nested on the islands. In contrast in 2000 they supported the largest colony of Great Cormorants in North America and less than 1% of the Double-crested Cormorants in eastern Canada.
Open Access
Beetle Diversity Associated with Forest Structure including Deadwood in Softwood and Hardwood Stands in Nova Scotia
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Kehler, Daniel; Bondrup-Nielsen, Soren; Corkum, Christine
Associations between beetles and forest stand characteristics, as well as beetle diversity, were investigated for 41 forest stands in Nova Scotia, Canada. Over 200 morphospecies from 45 Families of beetles were caught using window flight-intercept traps. In both years, correspondence analysis revealed distinct groupings of softwood and hardwood stands based on species assemblages. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine associations between forest variables and total species richness. Analyses were conducted for all stands combined and for hardwood and softwood stands separately. Hardwood stands had greater beetle richness than softwood stands. Within hardwood stands, volume of intermediate-sized deadwood was the best predictor of total species richness. Within softwood stands, volume of well-decayed deadwood was the best predictor of total beetle richness. Deadwood volume was associated with stand age in softwoods, and it appears that over 140 years is required for deadwood volume to reach pre-disturbance levels.
Open Access
Observational Record Epilthic Diatoms of the Stream Outflow of Williams Lake, Halifax, Nova Scotia, with New Records for the Province
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Sherwood, Alison R.; Deckert, Ronald J.
A December 2000 sampling of epilithic diatoms from the outflow of Williams Lake, Halifax County, Nova Scotia, recorded 31 species not previously known from Nova Scotia.
Open Access
Do We Know Beetles? Lessons from New Records of Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) for Nova Scotia
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) McCorquodale, David B.; Bondrup-Nielsen, Soren
The long-horned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are taxonomically relatively well known in North America and can potentially serve as an important forest biomonitoring tool. For such a tool to work accurate distributional data are required. We compared the status of cerambycids for Nova Scotia based on specimens in collections with two recent compilations that include distributional information, one for Canada and one for northeastern North America. We found major discrepancies. The two compilations reported a total of 55 species, while 87 species were in the collections examined. An accurate and up to date inventory is essential. This is underscored by the recent concern for the “invasion” of the Brown Spruce Long-horn Beetle, Tetropium fuscum, in Nova Scotia that was first collected more than 10 years ago, but misidentified. Both regional and national collections need to be supported to ensure effective strategies for conservation and forest management.
Open Access
Annotated List of the Mammals of Nova Scotia
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Scott, Fred W.; Hebda, Andrew J.
The latest taxonomic, distributional, habitat and conservation status information is presented for a total of 91 species of marine and terrestrial mammals presently or historically known from Nova Scotia. Four of them are extirpated and one is extinct. Of the 86 remaining species 51 are terrestrial (46 native, 5 introduced). The terrestrial mammals include 9 species of Insectivora, 6 (+ one tentative) of Chiroptera, one Primate, 12 Carnivora, 1 Perrissodactyla, 3 Artiodactyla, 19 Rodentia and 1 Lagomorpha. Native species include Boreal, Transition Zone and Austral elements, the result of Nova Scotia’s mid-latitude position on the continental coast. The 32 recorded marine species include 6 Carnivora (5 seals, walrus) and 26 Cetacea: Delphinidae (10 species), Phocoenidae (1), Monodontidae (1), Kogiidae (2), Physeteridae (1), Ziphiidae (4), Eschrichtiidae (1, extirpated), Balaenopteridae (5) and Balaenidae (1). Since 1971 four small mammal species (Sorex gaspensis, S. dispar, Glaucomys volans and Microtus chrotorrhinus) have been added to the provincial fauna, as a result of the first systematic and intensive sampling ever done in Nova Scotia. All are disjunct and three of them are restricted to forested talus habitats in the Cobequid Mts. or the Cape Breton Highlands. With the two disjunct species already known (Sorex arcticus maritimensis and Peromyscus leucopus caudatus), there are 6 disjunct mammals in the province, comprising 14.3 % of native non-volant terrestrial mammals, 33 % of insectivores and 18.8 % of native rodents. Two of them (Sorex gaspensis and Microtus chrotorrhinus) occur only on Cape Breton Island. No other area of similar size north of Mexico has a comparable proportion of disjunct mammals. Cape Breton Island historically has had a depauperate mammal fauna, lacking 8 species that were present on the adjacent mainland. The building of the connecting Canso Causeway in 1953-55 had a major zoogeographic impact, as it caused the western third of the strait to freeze over in winter and allowed the invasion and establishment of four large mammal species (Canis latrans, Procyon lotor, Mephitis mephitis and Lynx rufus).
Open Access
General Introduction: Conserving Nova Scotia's Biodiversity
(Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 2004) Willison, J.H. Martin; Miller, Christopher A.
The papers on biodiversity in this issue focus on the richness of life in Nova Scotia, and the means by which this richness might be conserved. Mammals, birds, fish, beetles, and diatoms are examples of the richness of life described in the volume. The conservation status of selected species is outlined, as are the threats to these species. Special attention is paid to moose and roseate terns, and a wide range of birds, beetles, fish, mammals and other species receive some attention. Conservation options based on the protection of habitat in Nova Scotia, as well as comprehensive landscape-scale strategies for biodiversity conservation planning, are similarly described both in detail and in general by a variety of authors.

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