| Summary: | This thesis examines biodiversity management in Nova Scotia with a particular focus on protected areas. The necessity for species-population level considerations. In biodiversity management is demonstrated. An approach for identifying focal-species is developed and tested. Potential focal-species are identified. The focal-species approach is then adapted and utilized to select Indicator species to monitor biodiversity in Kejimkujik National Park. Finally, links are made between focal-species and landscape-level considerations in Nova Scotia by considering habitat requirements of viable populations. The framework was found to be useful for identifying potential mammal, reptile and amphibian, and freshwater fish focal-species. The focal-species framework was also found to be useful for identifying potential indicator species for monitoring population dynamics as a measure of biodiversity. Focal-species may also be linked to the landscape-level by defining parameters relative to the resource or habitat requirements of the most demanding focal-species. If the landscape requirements of the most vulnerable and demanding focal-species are met, then many other species will also be protected. Focal-species were characterized according to threats and habitat or resource requirements. They were also categorized as area-, dispersal-, resource-, or process-limited, after Lambeck (1997). Focal-species requiring landscape-level biodiversity management attention include: American moose, fisher, eastern cougar, lynx, little brown bat, northern longeared bat; wood turtle, Blanding's turtle, northern ribbon snake and Pickerel frog; Atlantic whitefish, Atlantic salmon, and brook trout. Additional information regarding specific species-population-habitat relationships for particular regional or biogeographical contexts is required to make precise prescriptions for landscape-level parameters such as habitat requirements. The thesis concludes that species-population-level considerations are necessary for biodiversity management. The focal-species approach may be the best way to integrate and focus information and initiatives at various levels. A regional population-level approach is recommended to take into account variations in population and habitat status and biogeographic context. The approach could also be adapted for other applications and jurisdictions. In summary, several focal-species were identified in every assessment and thus warrant special biodiversity management attention at all levels: Eastern cougar, lynx, American marten, fisher, American moose; wood turtle, Blanding's turtle, northern ribbon snake, blue-spotted salamander, four-toed salamander; and, Atlantic sturgeon, Atlantic salmon, Atlantic whitefish, brook trout, lake trout and blueback herring. Other potential focal-species requiring additional research include bats and frogs. Other classes of flora and fauna should be assessed to identify a full suite of focal-species for biodiversity management attention in Nova Scotia. These focal-species can provide a focus for numerous biodiversity planning and management initiatives including partnership and co-operative arrangements and education. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) Thesis (Ph.D.)--Dalhousie University (Canada), 1998.
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