Biodiversity and its relationship to potential anthropogenic stressors on the Frontenac Axis, southern Ontario.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine in detail indicators related to biodiversity in the Frontenac Axis region. The Frontenac Axis, south-eastern Ontario, is of unique conservation potential because it is a mainly undeveloped, forested region surrounded by cleared agricultural and urban land. The first chapter explores whether potential anthropogenic stressors such as roads, buildings, human population and deforestation affect forest biodiversity. The second chapter examines coarse woody debris and its contribution to biodiversity, in particular, the diversity of ferns. I used biodiversity indicators at three taxonomic levels: a complete taxonomic group; functional groups within a taxonomic group; and individual large carnivore species. Species presence data were taken from the 'Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario', the 'Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario', and the 'Herptile Atlas of Ontario'. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)