Assisted migration for climate change
Use of assisted migration to mitigate the effects of climate change on rare and range-restricted plants in Alberta
Alberta, Canada
Graduate Student
M.Sc. (Conservation Biology) (Fall 2013-2015)
Supervisor
Professor
Status: Completed, Project ran 2013-2015, completed successfully.

 

Jennine is studying the use of assisted migration as a strategy to prevent extinctions of rare plant species in Alberta due to climate change and habitat fragmentation. The effectiveness of this strategy will be assessed using two model organisms: northern blazing star (Liatris ligulistylis) and long-leaved bluet (Houstonia longifolia). At multiple translocation sites and in extant populations, Jennine will determine which climatic and non-climatic factors (seed viability, dispersal limitations, effects of rarity of pollinators and pests) are limiting populations. She will also use a variety of translocation methods (bare seed, seed puck, and adult corm) to determine which is best for establishment success. Co-supervised by Dr. Ellen MacDonald.

PDF Pedersen, J.L.M. 2015. Mitigating the impacts of climate change on rare plants through assisted migration. M.Sc. Thesis, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.