The potential indirect effects of Btk applications on diet in Cape May and bay-breasted warblers
| dc.contributor.advisor | Nocera, Joseph J. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Maika, Fawn | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-07-30T17:23:23Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-07-30T17:23:23Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-06 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The 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.extent | xii, 77 | |
| dc.format.medium | electronic | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://unbscholar.lib.unb.ca/handle/1882/38069 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of New Brunswick | |
| dc.rights | http://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2 | |
| dc.subject.discipline | Forestry and Environmental Management | |
| dc.title | The potential indirect effects of Btk applications on diet in Cape May and bay-breasted warblers | |
| dc.type | master thesis | |
| oaire.license.condition | other | |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Forestry and Environmental Management | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | University of New Brunswick | |
| thesis.degree.level | masters | |
| thesis.degree.name | M.Sc.E.M. |