Tracking the Dispersal of the Endangered Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia cespitosa) by Animal Vectors in Canada

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dc.contributor.advisorDrezner, T.
dc.contributor.authorHuynh, Mandy
dc.date.accessioned2023-08-04T15:07:46Z
dc.date.available2023-08-04T15:07:46Z
dc.date.issued2023-08-04
dc.date.updated2023-08-04T15:07:45Z
dc.degree.disciplineGeography
dc.degree.levelMaster's
dc.degree.nameMSc - Master of Science
dc.description.abstractOpuntia cespitosa is an endangered cactus with only one substantive population in Point Pelee National Park (PPNP), Canada. Staff observations at the Park include that many cactus fingerlings (young Opuntia seedlings) appeared in sites frequented by the Eastern Wild Turkeys. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of seed dispersal by wild turkeys and other animals at PPNP, and to identify the primary seed dispersers. We used trail cameras, analyzed wild turkey scats, and examined fingerlings to determine potential seed dispersers from August to October 2020. Migrating birds were the most frequent visitors at cactus sites, followed by rabbits and wild turkeys. We conclude that while wild turkeys consume and disperse cactus seeds, the seeds are not necessarily preferred by them in their diet. This research has important implications for O. cespitosa’s reproduction and potential genetic variability and can be used to inform Park managers about conservation strategies for this species.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10315/41310
dc.languageen
dc.rightsAuthor owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.
dc.subjectEcology
dc.subjectPhysical geography
dc.subjectEnvironmental science
dc.subject.keywordsOpuntia
dc.subject.keywordsCactus
dc.subject.keywordsEndangered species
dc.subject.keywordsWild turkey
dc.subject.keywordsEndozoochory
dc.subject.keywordsSeed dispersal
dc.subject.keywordsNational Parks
dc.subject.keywordsAnimal-plant interactions
dc.titleTracking the Dispersal of the Endangered Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia cespitosa) by Animal Vectors in Canada
dc.typeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation

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