CONSERVATION & RECREATION ECOLOGY
Recreation ecology in the Canadian Rockies with Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y)
As outdoor recreation is projected to grow, impacts on wildlife may increase along with conflicts among users. To mitigate the risks of unmanaged recreational activities Y2Y collected information on the type of trail-users (e.g., biking, hiking, off-highway vehicles, equestrians), and which trails each of these groups use most frequently in Alberta and British Columbia. With funding from BRITE (link), I joined this recreation project lead by Dr. Karine Pigeon and Dr. Aerin Jacob. I conducted geo-spatial analyses (ArcMaps) to identify relevant trail networks within the study region. The research has the potential to improve the effectiveness of land-use and recreation management plans in Alberta and British Columbia, helping to protect the environment while promoting high-quality outdoor recreation experiences. For updates on this project see here.
As outdoor recreation is projected to grow, impacts on wildlife may increase along with conflicts among users. To mitigate the risks of unmanaged recreational activities Y2Y collected information on the type of trail-users (e.g., biking, hiking, off-highway vehicles, equestrians), and which trails each of these groups use most frequently in Alberta and British Columbia. With funding from BRITE (link), I joined this recreation project lead by Dr. Karine Pigeon and Dr. Aerin Jacob. I conducted geo-spatial analyses (ArcMaps) to identify relevant trail networks within the study region. The research has the potential to improve the effectiveness of land-use and recreation management plans in Alberta and British Columbia, helping to protect the environment while promoting high-quality outdoor recreation experiences. For updates on this project see here.
The role of provisioning and sibling competition on Ferruginous Hawk nestlings
This project was conducted for my Honors Thesis (B.Sc.) in the Bayne Lab at the University of Alberta. I examined how the parent-offspring conflict results in food distribution among nestlings, depending on their hatching order and competitive ability. Ferruginous Hawks are considered at risk (SARA) in their Albertan breeding grounds, and this research was a part of a broader research effort towards understanding to what degree food availability limits nestling success.
This project was conducted for my Honors Thesis (B.Sc.) in the Bayne Lab at the University of Alberta. I examined how the parent-offspring conflict results in food distribution among nestlings, depending on their hatching order and competitive ability. Ferruginous Hawks are considered at risk (SARA) in their Albertan breeding grounds, and this research was a part of a broader research effort towards understanding to what degree food availability limits nestling success.
Select publications:
Szojka, M.C., E.M. Bayne, T.I. Wellicome, C.J. Nordell, & J.W. Ng. 2020. The role of sibling competition and parental provisioning on food distribution among Ferruginous Hawk nestlings. Journal of Raptor Research. 54(4):376-387. DOI: 10.3356/0892-1016-54.4.376 |