Browsing by Author "Musiani, Marco"
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- ItemOpen AccessApplying the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution to the Northern Gateway Pipeline Conflict(2016) Szabo, Mark; Keenan, Tom; Musiani, Marco; Wylant, Barry; Falkenberg, Loren; Mourali, Mehdi; Seel, KevinThis dissertation addresses the problem of how to make sense of environmental conflicts in a way that is both practical enough to direct strategy, and comprehensive enough to encompass the full range of the conflict. I make three contributions towards solving this problem. First, after examining the literature from several different disciplines, I determine the attributes required for an effective sensemaking framework for environmental conflicts, and further conclude that the Graph Model of Conflict Resolution (“GMCR”) meets those criteria. Specifically, theat framework should be multidisciplinary, include a systems approach, allow for non-rational behaviour, embrace multiple theoretical constructs, facilitate an iterative resolution approach, and utilize one of several methodological approaches to account for time series data. Second, using Northern Gateway as an example, I develop an approach forto simplifying a complicated conflict, using Northern Gateway as an example, into the kind of inputs the GMCR is equipped to handle, resulting in with the result ofbroadening its application to conflicts that are more nuanced than currently researched in the literature. Third, I support further research by recommending how to improve the choice of decision-makers in the model, suggesting a protocol for primary qualitative validation of the model using subject matter experts, outlining parameters for use in iteratively refining the simulation model, clarifying limitations of the GMCR approach, and suggesting opportunities for further research. I conclude that a useful way to make sense out of a complex environmental conflict is to, counterintuitively, simplify it in the context of the participants’ next unilateral decisions, and use the GMCR approach to determine possible future states of conflict equilibrium.
- ItemOpen AccessAn Assessment of Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) Genomic Diversity and Structure in Western Canada to Guide Species Conservation and Management(2023-01-26) Michalak, Anita; Poissant, Jocelyn; Musiani, Marco; Polfus, Jean; Rogers, SeanHuman-induced environmental change is one of the biggest threats to global biological diversity, and the resulting environmental conditions have made it increasingly difficult for species to adapt and survive. The use of genomic technologies, such as the inference of genetic structure, can aid species conservation and prevent population declines. Particularly for caribou (Rangifer tarandus), which are considered an at-risk species across Canada, determining population genetic structure can help delineate units for conservation while detecting potentially cryptic population structure and diversity as well as undetected and/or mislabeled populations. For my M.Sc. thesis, I studied genomic diversity in caribou sampled throughout western Canada to better characterize population structure and supplement previous genetic studies conducted in this region. I accomplished this using several population structure inference methods and by combining individual-based genomic and spatial data for 658 individuals derived from 41 herds across British Columbia (BC) and Alberta (AB). Results indicate that population structure inferred from genomic data reflects neither past nor present caribou classification schemes. Instead, caribou genetic differentiation in BC and AB is best reflected at K=4 clusters, which primarily: (1) identifies a potential new conservation unit composed of individuals belonging to Itcha-Ilgachuz and neighboring subpopulations, and (2) redefines the boundaries of existing populations. Despite the need for multiple lines of evidence to provide complementary criteria for designating distinct units for conservation or populations, my work illustrates how genomics can help inform and improve the delineation of such conservation and management units for caribou.
- ItemOpen AccessBehavioural effects of wolf presence: responses of cattle and elk(2008) Laporte, Isabelle; Musiani, Marco
- ItemOpen AccessConservation biology and management of wolves and wolf-human conflicts in western North America(2003) Musiani, Marco; Gates, Cormack
- ItemOpen AccessDesign and validation of a 63K genome-wide SNP-genotyping platform for caribou/reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)(2022-10-05) Carrier, Alexandra; Prunier, Julien; Poisson, William; Trottier-Lavoie, Mallorie; Gilbert, Isabelle; Cavedon, Maria; Pokharel, Kisun; Kantanen, Juha; Musiani, Marco; Côté, Steeve D.; Albert, Vicky; Taillon, Joëlle; Bourret, Vincent; Droit, Arnaud; Robert, ClaudeAbstract Background Development of large single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays can make genomic data promptly available for conservation problematic. Medium and high-density panels can be designed with sufficient coverage to offer a genome-wide perspective and the generated genotypes can be used to assess different genetic metrics related to population structure, relatedness, or inbreeding. SNP genotyping could also permit sexing samples with unknown associated metadata as it is often the case when using non-invasive sampling methods favored for endangered species. Genome sequencing of wild species provides the necessary information to design such SNP arrays. We report here the development of a SNP-array for endangered Rangifer tarandus using a multi-platform sequencing approach from animals found in diverse populations representing the entire circumpolar distribution of the species. Results From a very large comprehensive catalog of SNPs detected over the entire sample set (N = 894), a total of 63,336 SNPs were selected. SNP selection accounted for SNPs evenly distributed across the entire genome (~ every 50Kb) with known minor alleles across populations world-wide. In addition, a subset of SNPs was selected to represent rare and local alleles found in Eastern Canada which could be used for ecotype and population assignments - information urgently needed for conservation planning. In addition, heterozygosity from SNPs located in the X-chromosome and genotyping call-rate of SNPs located into the SRY gene of the Y-chromosome yielded an accurate and robust sexing assessment. All SNPs were validated using a high-throughput SNP-genotyping chip. Conclusion This design is now integrated into the first genome-wide commercially available genotyping platform for Rangifer tarandus. This platform would pave the way to future genomic investigation of populations for this endangered species, including estimation of genetic diversity parameters, population assignments, as well as animal sexing from genetic SNP data for non-invasive samples.
- ItemOpen AccessDirect, indirect and predator-mediated effects of humans on a terrestrial food web: implications for conservation(2010) Muhly, Tyler Bryon; Musiani, Marco
- ItemOpen AccessEchinococcus multilocularis Infections in Domestic Dogs(2021-06-03) Toews, Emilie Anne Wylie; Massolo, Alessandro; Musiani, Marco; Checkley, Sylvia; Visscher, DarcyEchinococcus multilocularis, a parasitic helminth of the northern hemisphere, normally cycles through definitive (coyotes, foxes, wolves, raccoon dogs) and intermediate hosts (rodents and some lagomorphs). In urban areas, domestic dogs can also become hosts for this parasite, maintaining the E. multilocularis population in areas with less wild canids. Occasionally, this zoonotic parasite infects humans, resulting in alveolar echinococcosis, which is often lethal. Echinococcus multilocularis has been well-studied in wild definitive hosts throughout its known global distribution, but further investigation into the prevalence of this parasite in dogs is needed. I conducted a literature review and meta-analysis estimating the true prevalence and risk factors associated with E. multilocularis infections in dogs globally. Then, I attempted to fill gaps in the literature by investigating E. multilocularis in dogs living near several parks in Calgary, Alberta. Using qPCR on fecal samples collected in 2012, I determined the true prevalence of E. multilocularis in Calgary dogs. Associated risk factors were assessed using dog behaviour questionnaires submitted by owners. While intestinal E. multilocularis has not previously been found in dog population studies in Canada, I found the prevalence in Calgary in 2012 to be similar to Europe and Asia. Some risk factors for infection were confirmed but more work is warranted. Therefore, I also conducted a pilot study directed at Calgary vet clinics to provide an updated estimate of intestinal E. multilocularis presence and also, for the first time, alveolar echinococcosis prevalence in dogs. This study design and dog behaviour questionnaire are suitable for assessing risk factors for both types of infections and is intended to be applied to a larger future study. Understanding the role of dogs in both the maintenance of the E. multilocularis lifecycle and the transmission of the infection to humans is paramount as urbanization drives humans and their pets closer to wildlife populations.
- ItemOpen AccessEcological genomics and conservation of caribou in Western North America(2020-09-09) Cavedon, Maria; Musiani, Marco; VonHoldt, Bridgett M.; Mariani, Stefano; Hebblewhite, Mark; Darimont, Chris T.; Ruckstuhl, Kathreen E.Selection can favor different phenotypes along environmental clines. Clines are also compatible with balancing forces, which maintain phenotypic polymorphisms within populations -for example, migratory or sedentary behaviour in caribou. The use of genomics is fundamental to evaluate such evolutionary processes and, in conjunction with ecological information, has also been advocated for to inform conservation planning for endangered caribou. I examined Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) across caribou populations from western North America. I detected population structure and genes under selection within each caribou group. I also analysed seasonal movements and habitat selection using GPS telemetry, and morphological information gathered at capture. Some of the genes under selection in my study were linked to morphological characteristics, migratory behavior, habitat selection and climatic and environmental factors. These findings suggest that exclusive mutations, resulting in different phenotypes, are maintained within caribou groups. Moreover, I detected a signal of balancing selection, a genetic force that maintains genetic polymorphisms within populations. I suggest that this force has a fundamental role in maintaining multiple haplotypes and phenotypes within caribou populations, also including partial migration. In this thesis, I identified genes under selection and patterns of population structure that should be considered in conservation planning and management of caribou populations. Habitats and climate are dramatically changing worldwide, and the genetic aspects of selectivity, that I described, could indicate that caribou may be challenged in their ability to adapt to certain changes. For example, my results indicate a specialization of caribou for cold climates and seasonal foraging in pristine environments, with genes linked to these specializations. In addition, as part of conservation planning, caribou breeding programs have been proposed. A fundamental aspect of these programs is deciding the best source animals, from wild populations, to be used to found captive populations. My population structure results could help inform these programs, as I “practically” suggested for the Southern Canadian Rockies region. Overall, I used an integrative and innovative approach to investigate the link between movement ecology, morphology, genomics, with applications to caribou conservation and conservation of other species, in which genetic traits may also influence behaviour, and limit resilience to changing habitats and climates.
- ItemOpen AccessEffects of habitat features on long toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) populations(2022-01-28) Blaney, Charity; Vamosi, Steven; Jamniczky, Heather; Musiani, Marco; Ciborowski, JanAmphibian populations are experiencing worldwide declines, occurring at higher rates than for any other taxon. Long toed salamanders Ambystoma macrodactylum, Baird, 1850, have been listed as a species of special concern in Alberta since 1999 when they were considered not at risk. I investigated the effects of potential habitat threats on long toed salamander populations by comparing historical with present-day populations in 13 breeding ponds in Southwestern Alberta and assessing indicators of habitat quality as possible population predictors. My goals were to: (1) to update presence/absence status of previously confirmed populations (Graham & Powell 1999), (2) measure variation between population and habitat characteristics to study relationships between the two, and (3) collect preliminary evidence of population turnover (which could be a preliminary indicator for metapopulation structure). First, I found that six of the 13 ponds (46%) occupied by salamanders two decades ago had since lost their populations. I also found that the limited measures of environmental variables I considered do not seem to accurately predict variation in population abundance. Finally, I observed preliminary evidence of population turnover, with population status changes in four of the nine ponds that could be measured in both years. This study helps to fill a gap in provincial population data for this species, and points to some variables that may be vital habitat characteristics, providing information that can be used to direct conservation policy and future research.
- ItemOpen AccessElk Adopt An Anti-Predatory Strategy, Getting Closer To Hikers In Banff National Park(2008) Massolo, Alessandro; Coleshill, Jenny; Hebblewhite, Mark; Musiani, Marco
- ItemOpen AccessFactors influencing road and trail crossings by grizzly bears, wolves, and elk in Banff National Park(2008) Coleshill, Jenny; Musiani, Marco
- ItemOpen AccessForest stand management and implications for elk selection in Jasper National Park, Alberta(2014-09-04) Arnison, Colleen; Musiani, MarcoSeasonal resource selection patterns of elk in Jasper National Park, Alberta revealed elk select for areas that would be enhanced by natural or anthropogenic disturbance as they prefer herbaceous, shrub, and open conifer habitat types as well as burn sites. The FireSmart-ForestWise Community program was designed to mimic natural disturbance, such as fire, and consisted of timber removal to protect the community of Jasper from wildfires and improve ecological conditions for wildlife. Following timber removal, forage availability and cover for ungulates increased including grass and forb biomass, cover and diversity along with shrub cover. This thesis demonstrates that changes in human alterations to the landscape can benefit herbivores. If Parks Canada mandate continues to focus on maintaining and enhancing ecological integrity, programs such as this should be encouraged and continued.
- ItemOpen AccessThe history and future of the rare, endemic plant species, Draba yukonensis (Yukon Draba)(2021-02-11) Jasper, Caroline; Vamosi, Jana C.; Musiani, Marco; Summers, MindiMany species in Canada remain poorly characterized regarding the projected impact of climate change. Here, I report my results from species distribution modeling for the rare, Yukon endemic plant, Draba yukonensis. Predicted change in range size in 2070 is an increase of 171375.1-184318.0 km2, which is surprising considering its limited known range. Overlap of predicted future and current ranges is 96.9-97.4%. Occurrence of protected areas in the predicted future range is 9.7-10.5%. It is possible that D. yukonensis represents a recently originated variety of a more common species that recently experienced polyploidization. I therefore performed phylogenetic analyses to elucidate relationships of D. yukonensis with other Draba species in the Yukon. I found that D. yukonensis is appropriately delineated as a Canadian endemic species and may be an allopolyploid of D. fladnizensis and D. lactea, or, likelier, is closely related to D. lactea. Overall, this work provides important predictions regarding where D. yukonensis could require interventions to aid its conservation.
- ItemOpen AccessHuman Activity Differentially Redistributes Large Mammals in the Canadian Rockies National Parks(Resilliance Alliance, 2011) Rogala, James Kimo; Hebblewhite, Mark; Whittington, Jesse; White, Cliff A.; Coleshill, Jenny; Musiani, Marco
- ItemOpen AccessHumans Strengthen Bottom-Up Effects and Weaken Trophic Cascades in a Terrestrial Food Web(PLoS ONE, 2013-05-08) Muhly, Tyler B.; Hebblewhite, Mark; Paton, Dale; Pitt, Justin A.; Boyce, Mark S.; Musiani, Marco
- ItemOpen AccessThe invasion process of the European strain of Echinococcus multilocularis in Western Canada(2022-02) Santa, Maria Alejandra; Musiani, Marco; Ruckstuhl, Kathreen; Gilleard, John; Massolo, AlessandroGenetic studies on Echinococcus multilocularis (Em), the causative agent of human alveolar echinococcosis (AE), are essential to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying changes in the geographic distribution of this parasite, and to assess the potential impact on public health. The recent detection of European-like haplotypes circulating in wild hosts in Western Canada, and the unprecedented detection of human AE cases in Alberta, make it a priority to assess the extent of the distribution of this strain and its origin(s) into Canada. The overall aim of my thesis was to investigate the invasion process of the European strain of Em in Western Canada. I reviewed the invasions by parasites with complex-life cycles using the invasion of the European strain as a model to develop an ecological framework for investigating the invasion of parasites transmitted in predator-prey systems. Then, I developed a real-time PCR assay to detect co-infections of Em and E. canadensis in fecal and worm-mixed samples, providing the first evidence of co-infections of these two parasites in red foxes and coyotes, and the first molecularly confirmed record of E. canadensis (G10) in coyotes. When used along with an automated magnetic bead-based DNA extraction method, the real-time PCR test proved to have a high sensitivity to detect Em in fecal samples, increasing efficiency and throughput. The genetic analysis using deep amplicon sequencing and multiple mitochondrial and nuclear markers showed a lower intraspecific diversity and a higher abundance of the European-type haplotypes. Moreover, most genetic variants were closely related to the original European clade, with the dominance of one variant in each province and low genetic diversity of Em, supporting the hypothesis of a relatively recent introduction. The spatial analysis showed a genetic discontinuity between western provinces, suggesting different founder events and isolation by distance of some genetic variants. Finally, although the prevalence of Em infection was higher in red foxes than coyotes, there was a higher proportion of coyotes with high intensity of infection, even at lower population densities than red foxes. Therefore, coyotes might be considered the main spreaders of the European strain in Alberta.
- ItemOpen AccessAn Investigation of Five Decades of Canid Management Research in the United States and Canada(2019-07-24) Plotsky, Kyle; Alexander, Shelley M.; Draper, Dianne; Musiani, Marco; Collard, Rosemary-Claire; Pavelka, Mary McDonaldPredator removal has been the dominant method of mitigating predator damage to livestock for centuries in the United States and Canada. The 1970s saw legislative and cultural shifts from predator eradication to selective and non-lethal mitigation strategies. Research concurrently increased and focused on which strategies were effective at reducing livestock depredations. I collected research findings published between 1970 and 2018 on mitigating livestock depredation by coyotes and wolves. I investigated potential issues in this literature with implications for current canid management, such as whether traditional management strategies have been properly evaluated or whether the research endorsed a particular strategy. I also investigated the characteristics of the research over time and whether the research showed evidence of publication bias. Lastly, I evaluated whether the confounding effect of context has been accounted for in the research. I found there were nearly three times as many non-lethal than lethal research findings and twice as many types of non-lethal strategies than lethal strategies. My results also justify the use of producer assessments in future research on mitigating livestock depredations. I found differences in research characteristics, such as the canid species evaluated and how research findings are disseminated, across the five decades between 1970 and 2018. I also report that research quality improved across the five decades as there were fewer lower quality research findings after the 1980s. There was no evidence of traditional success oriented publication bias. I did find evidence that non-success related research characteristics were associated with publication in journals and I termed these relationships ‘non-traditional publication bias’. Research findings that evaluated wolves, had academic Principal Investigators, or used statistical analyses were more likely to be published in journals. My final analysis focused on five contextual factors: historical/concurrent lethal control, wild prey, landscape, season, and anthropogenic characteristics. Research findings did not consistently report contextual information. Similarly, there were only a few instances of authors reporting an effect of contextual factors on their results. Based on the CONSORT checklist used in medical research, I developed guidelines for the reporting of future research to ensure replicability and usability in meta-analyses.
- ItemOpen AccessLinking habitat selection and predation risk to spatial variation in survival(John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2013-09-02) DeCesare, Nicholas J.; Hebblewhite, Mark; Bradley, Mark; Hervieux, David; Neufeld, Lalenia; Musiani, Marco
- ItemOpen AccessMolecular ecology and conservation of caribou (rangifer tarandus) in western North America(2012) Weckworth, Byron Vance; Musiani, MarcoAs the scale and intensity of human-mediated impacts on the planet reaches unprecedented levels, there is a need for evaluating and describing the repercussions of these changes on the planet's flora and fauna. Woodland caribou are a threatened species that exemplify the challenge of protecting widespread, large species with expansive habitat requirements. Woodland caribou declines relate to habitat destruction and the consequent changes in predator-prey dynamics. Hindering conservation and management efforts is a lack of understanding the distribution of caribou diversity and the relationship of changes in habitat and environmental variables on caribou movements. Here I use a multiple methods, emphasizing molecular tools, to evaluate these knowledge gaps. First, I reconstruct the evolutionary history of caribou in Western North America, clarifying phylogeographic and broad patterns of diversity that inform delineation of conservation units. Next, I focus on west-central Alberta to evaluate landscape genetics perspectives on environmental and demographic variables that influence caribou population dynamics. Finally, I review current federal conservation policy and actions in the context of genetic variability, with a closing chapter emphasizing conservation challenges posed with ongoing climate change. Phylogenetic results demonstrate a new understanding of caribou evolution requiring the restructuring of the taxonomic identities of caribou ecotypes, a more widespread region of post-glacial "hybrid swarm," and clearer delineation of meta-populations of threatened Mountain and Boreal ecotypes. Landscape genetics show that preferred habitat and effective population size are the best predictors of genetic relationships of west-central populations, and that effective population sizes are at alarmingly low levels, emphasizing the need for management to focus on bolstering population numbers and maintaining habitat connectivity. The newly defined Designatable Units represent another version of Evolutionary Significant Units with similar limitations, particularly on the description of Boreal caribou. The proposed management recovery strategy for Boreal populations is fraught with seeming subjective criteria and emphasizes a scale of conservation unit (local population) that fails to ensure the protection of Boreal evolutionary and ecological integrity. Incorporation of the new genetic and population results detailed here offer information that can improve management and conservation objectives and promote a scientifically rigorous catalyst for policy change.
- ItemOpen AccessPathogens at the livestock-wildlife interface in Western Alberta: does transmission route matter?(BioMed Central, 2014-02-12) Pruvot, Mathieu; Kutz, Susan J; van der Meer, Frank; Musiani, Marco; Barkema, Herman W; Orsel, Karin