A scientist is researching the impact of an invasive insect and the chemicals used to combat it on the wildlife in aged hemlock forests. The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) has been causing significant damage to forests in the southwest region of Nova Scotia for nearly ten years. Efforts to control its spread have involved the application of insecticides such as imidacloprid and dinotefuran by Parks Canada, the provincial government, local groups, and private landowners.
Mathilde Christjansen, a master’s student at Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B., highlighted the lack of knowledge regarding the effects of woolly adelgid and insecticides on other species. She expressed concerns about the potential impact of imidacloprid on various animals’ nervous systems, as it has been detected in the brains of creatures like fish and tadpoles.
To gain insights into the broader ecosystem, Christjansen and her team are focusing on the eastern red-backed salamander, a sensitive bioindicator species. By monitoring salamander populations under coverboards in treated and untreated forests, conducting behavioral tests, and assessing forest health, they aim to understand the overall impact of the invasive bug and insecticides.
Chris Edge, a supervisor from the Canadian Forest Service, emphasized the importance of maintaining hemlock forests as they provide critical habitat for salamanders due to their dense canopies creating cool, moist microclimates. The study, conducted in collaboration with various institutions, is part of a larger initiative examining forest health in Eastern Canada.
The project, led by Christjansen, is set to continue until the next year, with data collected during the summer being analyzed to evaluate the findings. The research team’s efforts are crucial in determining the effects of HWA and insecticides on salamanders and forest ecosystems.
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