The potential indirect effects of Btk applications on diet in Cape May and bay-breasted warblers

dc.contributor.advisorNocera, Joseph J.
dc.contributor.authorMaika, Fawn
dc.date.accessioned2024-07-30T17:23:23Z
dc.date.available2024-07-30T17:23:23Z
dc.date.issued2024-06
dc.description.abstractThe spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana, hereafter “SBW”) is a common prey item for insectivorous songbirds. Due to their cyclic nature, SBW outbreaks can severely defoliate frequently harvested tree species. Therefore, lepidoptera-specific insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) are used to suppress their populations and associated impact. I examined the indirect effects of Btk on the diet of two species of wood-warblers that specialize in foraging on SBW: the bay-breasted warbler (Setophaga castanea) and Cape May warbler (Setophaga tigrine). Using stable isotope analysis of warbler feces in control and Btk sites pre- and post-insecticide application, I found no significant difference in the proportion of Lepidoptera in the diets of SBW specialists between treatments. Both species showed a consistent consumption in Btk sites post-application, with Hemiptera being the main dietary component across treatments and sampling periods. Individuals in Btk sites may need to increase foraging activity/effort to maintain Lepidoptera consumption.
dc.description.copyright© Fawn Maika, 2024
dc.format.extentxii, 77
dc.format.mediumelectronic
dc.identifier.urihttps://unbscholar.lib.unb.ca/handle/1882/38069
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherUniversity of New Brunswick
dc.rightshttp://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2
dc.subject.disciplineForestry and Environmental Management
dc.titleThe potential indirect effects of Btk applications on diet in Cape May and bay-breasted warblers
dc.typemaster thesis
oaire.license.conditionother
thesis.degree.disciplineForestry and Environmental Management
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of New Brunswick
thesis.degree.levelmasters
thesis.degree.nameM.Sc.E.M.

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