2nd Place: D3046: Biodiversity after the burn: Understanding pollinator communities after stand replacing wildfires in BC's central interior

Authors: Mackenzie H.W. Howse, Dezene P.W. Huber



Pollinators are threatened in some regions due to human influences. In an era dubbed by some as the pyrocene, fire is having devastating effects on humans, but can have diverse effects on the biota of natural landscapes. Pollinating insects are vital for ecosystem function, so it is critical that we understand their communities during this time of rapid change. In remote areas of British Columbia, Canada, there has been little to no documentation of pollinator assemblages. I propose to determine how pollinator and plant community assemblages recover after stand-replacing wildfires. In my work in interior Douglas-fir forests of BC, I will consider time since fire as well as position within fire (interior/edge/intact forest) and, where possible, fire severity. Specimens will be collected during two summers using pan traps in burned forests. Along with insect species and functional trait data, I will assess vegetation, blossom phenology, and coarse woody debris to develop models based on pollinator resource availability and habitat structure. Pollinator specimens will be keyed and DNA barcoded, and I will evaluate community assemblages as they relate to fire year, fire edge position, fire severity, habitat structure and resource availability, and pan trap colour. This project will add to the growing body of knowledge about pollinators and will also provide information to silviculturists managing for various conservation values in this region of BC. (223 words)