Entomological Society of Canada Student Member Information Form

Name: David Gervais



University: Concordia University

Address: Biology Department, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6 

E-mail Address: ecodave@gmail.com

Advisors: Dr. David Greene and Dr. Tim Work (UQAM)

Thesis Title: Patterns in post-fire beetle damage and the effects of salvage logging on coleopteran diversity

Research Summary:
Post-fire salvage logging has become an increasingly common sylvicultural practice in Canada, whereby snags are rapidly harvested for commercial use. Traditional harvesting methods are currently being restructured to meet the standards of ecosystem-based forest management, which implies that logging operations should mimic natural disturbance. The management of post-fire harvesting can be problematic considering the logging operations generate a second disturbance event in the same place within a short period of time. Further, post-fire environments possess unique characteristics that are exploited by many species of birds, insects and plants and contribute to the heterogeneity of the forest landscape. Proper knowledge about the impacts of post-fire logging on forest dynamics is required before appropriate management decisions can be made. I am evaluating the effects of post-fire logging on coleopteran diversity, with special attention to wood-boring species.

Post-fire environments are rapidly colonized by wood-boring insects that take advantage of the large amount of recently dead wood. Forest managers promote the need for rapid salvage to diminish the damage caused by wood-borer attacks. Anecdotal evidence suggests the existence of a heterogeneous pattern in the distribution of beetle damage, where only moderately charred trees show important damage. I am also evaluating the effect of fire severity and stand age/volume on the distribution of wood-boring beetle damage.

Keywords: post-fire logging, salvage, longhorned beetles, forest management, biodiversity

Degrees Sought: MSc

Expected Year of Completion: 2008