Bears, salmon and forests: new research on old connections
Raincoast’s Dr. Caroline Fox and UVic’s Dr. Tom Reimchen have published a study examining bears, forests and trees in BMC Ecology. The study examines the influence of salmon nutrients on the ancient Sitka spruce trees of Haida Gwaii.
In Haida Gwaii, black bears are the primary vector for delivering salmon and their nutrients into the forest. The scientists found that (as expected) tree growth was greater in places where salmon carcasses were the highest. This tends to be along the river. However, contrary to what one might think, the influence of salmon was greatest in trees that were further distances from the river and into the forest. It suggests that salmon carried beyond the river’s edge – where most carcasses are eaten and decompose- get more benefit from the fewer fish and waste products of bears, than those closer to the river.
To download the article, visit: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6785-13-38.pdf
Become a Raincoaster
Giving to Raincoast enables you to protect what you love most.
For 25 years, Raincoast has been furthering biodiversity conservation in BC. Thanks to your generous donations, among many other accomplishments, we have been able to end commercial trophy hunting of large carnivores in over 38,000 square kilometers of the Great Bear Rainforest, begin acquiring forest land in order to protect threatened Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystems, aid recovery of endangered Southern Resident killer whales by restoring Chinook salmon habitat, and establish a university research lab dedicated to applied conservation science. Strong partnerships are integral to our success.
Our efforts need to be maintained and advanced, now more than ever. As the biodiversity and climate crises collide, your support allows us to continue to make tangible conservation gains.
Biodiversity protection is the most important gift we can give the next generation. Join us as a Raincoaster today!
