PhD Oral Exam - Jonathan Cole, Geography, Planning and Environment

When studying for a doctoral degree (PhD), candidates submit a thesis that provides a critical review of the current state of knowledge of the thesis subject as well as the student’s own contributions to the subject. The distinguishing criterion of doctoral graduate research is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Once accepted, the candidate presents the thesis orally. This oral exam is open to the public.

Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation, due to anthropogenic land transformation, is the leading cause of species declines and biodiversity loss worldwide. Habitat loss and fragmentation transform landscapes into a heterogeneous array of habitat fragments of smaller total habitat area, isolated from each other by a human-dominated matrix. This results in long-term changes in ecosystem structure and function, and an overall reduction in species abundance and movement ability between fragments, i.e., daily foraging, dispersal, migration, and range shifts in response to climate change. Dispersing individuals help maintain long-term viability of populations by colonizing new areas, re-colonizing sink populations, and maintaining genetic variation and gene flow within meta-populations. Globally, 56% of all terrestrial mammals have transboundary geographic ranges. In contrast, most conservation initiatives do not cross political boundaries. The Adirondack-to-Laurentians (A2L) transboundary wildlife linkage connects wilderness areas in the northeastern United States with southeastern Canada. Although the region contains many habitats of high ecological integrity and biodiversity; ceaseless anthropogenic land transformation within the A2L may be putting transboundary connectivity at risk. In this thesis, I sought to answer the principal question: is anthropogenic land transformation impacting the overall integrity and functionality of the A2L transboundary wildlife linkage?

First, I quantified changes in landscape structure (composition and configuration) and found that net forest and wetland area decreased, and landscape fragmentation increased substantially between 1992 and 2018. Next, I explored if these changes in landscape structure had consequences on species-specific habitat amount, habitat fragmentation, and functional connectivity. I developed suitable habitat and resistance models for four mammal species native to the region: the American black bear (Ursus americanus), fisher (Pekania pennanti), moose (Alces alces), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). I then quantified changes in species-specific habitat amount, habitat fragmentation, and functional connectivity between 2000 and 2015. Suitable and optimal habitat patch area declined considerably, habitat fragmentation increased, and functional connectivity decreased for all species, with moose experiencing the greatest impacts from regional anthropogenic land transformation. Lastly, I identified potential suitable habitat patches and connectivity corridors for the wolf (Canis lupus & Canis lupus lycaon); species that have been extirpated from the Ontario and New York portions of A2L since the early 1900s. I quantified changes in potential wolf habitat amount, habitat fragmentation, and functional connectivity between 2000 and 2015. Suitable and optimal habitat patch area declined considerably, habitat fragmentation increased, and functional connectivity decreased throughout the A2L.

My thesis quantified the changes in landscape structure, due to anthropogenic land transformation, that occurred within the A2L between 1992 and 2018, and identified priority areas for conservation and restoration. My results suggest that to achieve long-term functionality of the A2L, collaborative and coordinated measures will be necessary to preserve the integrity of the Québec portion, restore extensive habitat in eastern Ontario, and reestablish or maintain connectivity throughout the linkage. The results can be used to inform conservation policy and and-use planning throughout the region. Left unaddressed, continued anthropogenic land transformation is likely to have additional detrimental effects on the ability of the A2L to function as a transboundary wildlife linkage.