Research Projects

I. Landscape Connectivity Modelling
III. On the Concept of Population
V. Sociogenetic		 II. Landscape Genetic
IV. Non-invasive Approach to Monitor Population Sizes and Trends
VI. Historical Ecology

I. Landscape Connectivity Modelling of Boreal Landscapes: Conservation of Species, Communities and Ecosystems

The conservation of the boreal landscape requires land management strategies that not only maintain habitat but also maintain connectivity among habitat patches or mosaic to facilitate movement of animals throughout the landscape. We are developing landscape metrics and landscape models capable of identifying critical habitat and movement corridors for woodland caribou and other boreal species at different spatial scales. The models are based on spatial graph theory.

Research associated with the project includes:

  • A functional grain approach to model the influence of landscape connectivity on animaldistribution. P. Galpern, University of Mantioba; M. Manseau, Parks Canada/University of Mantioba; A. Fall, Gowlland Technologies Ltd./ Simon Fraser University; Paul Wilson, Trent University.
  • Testing the importance of spatial configuration of winter habitat for woodland caribou: An application of graph theory. D. O’Brien Parks Canada/Cortex Consultants Inc.; M. Manseau, Parks Canada; A. Fall, Gowlland Technologies Ltd./ Simon Fraser University, M.-J. Fortin, Toronto University.Habitat connectivity using spatial graph theory. A. Fall, Gowlland Technologies Ltd./ Simon Fraser University; M.-J. Fortin, Toronto University; M.Manseau, Parks Canada; D. O’Brien Parks Canada/Cortex Consultants Inc.Analysis of woodland caribou habitat selection using generalized estimating equations. N. Koper, University of Manitoba; M. Manseau, University of Manitoba / Parks Canada.
  • Landscape changes and distribution of boreal caribou in the Prince Albert Greater Ecosystem. M. Arlt, University of Manitoba; M. Manseau (supervisor), University of Manitoba / Parks Canada.
  • Distribution and Movement of Woodland Caribou on Disturbed Landscapes in Manitoba. C.-A. Lander; M. Manseau (supervisor), University of Manitoba/Parks Canada.
  • Characterization of calving sites for woodland caribou across the boreal region. C. Dyke, Univsersity of Manitoba; M. Manseau (supervisor), University of Manitoba / Parks Canada.

II. Landscape Genetic

Landscape genetic is an alternative approach to assess the effects of landscape features on animal movement or patterns of gene flow. This works build on the development of grainscape as a method for the spatial scaling of landscape data using network modelling. We incorporate field and simulated data making methodological and empirical contributions to research in landscape ecology.

Research associated with the project includes:

      • Grains of connectivity: analysis at multiple spatial scales in landscape genetics. P. Galpern, University of Mantioba; M. Manseau, Parks Canada/University of Mantioba; Paul Wilson, Trent University.
      • Spatial variation in demographic structure and the detection of landscape resistance to gene flow.  P. Galpern, University of Mantioba; M. Manseau, Parks Canada/University of Mantioba; Paul Wilson, Trent University.

      • Separating historical and contemporary landscape influences on gene flow in a highly mobile ungulate: a functional grain approach. P. Galpern, University of Mantioba; M. Manseau, Parks Canada/University of Mantioba; Paul Wilson, Trent University.

III. On the Concept of Population

As our understanding of species, subspecies, and populations continues to develop, especially with renewed attention to complex species/subspecies/hybrid relationships that can be revealed with molecular techniques, it is increasingly important to incorporate diverse forms of knowledge when
attempting to distinguish population units. While wildlife managers have begun to acknowledge the role of genetic data in unraveling these uncertain boundaries and characterizing genetic population structure – we hope to also bring the perspectives of aboriginal people and what this knowledge can offer to these decisions.

IV. Non-invasive Approach to Monitor
Population Sizes and Trends

This work proposes to further the linkages between habitat-based landscape measures of connectivity and biological parameters. The main objectives are 1) to assess the potential of using fecal-based DNA to monitor sizes and/or trends of animal populations, 2) to further examine the measures of landscape connectivity and the impedance values of different natural and anthropogenic landscape disturbances at different spatial scales and 3) to gain a better understanding of population structures and conservation management units.

Research associated with the project includes:

      • DNA-based population parameters derived from fecal material. P. Hettinga; M. Manseau (supervisor), University of Manitoba.
      • Faecal hormones as a non-invasive population monitoring and management method for woodland caribou. A. Flasko; M. Manseau (supervisor), University of Manitoba.
      • Characterization of target nuclear DNA from feces reduces technical issues associated with the assumptions of low-quality and quantity template. M. Ball;  P. Wilson (supervisor), Trent University.
      • ALLELEMATCH: an R package for identifying unique multilocus genotypes where genotyping error and missing data may be present. P. Glapern; M. Manseau (supervisor), University of Manitoba.
      • The optimal number of loci required to identify unique genotypes. A. Flasko; M. Manseau (supervisor), University of Manitoba.

V. Sociogenetics

Based on genetic data obtained from repeated survey of woodland caribou populations, we have now sufficient information to examine the mating system and fitness of individual animals.

Research associated with the project includes:

Fine-scale population genetic structure of woodland caribou. A. Flasko; M. Manseau (supervisor), University of Manitoba.

VI. Historical Ecology

Using genetic, historic and ethnohistoric data to study ecological relationships can be termed ‘historical ecology’. This approach considers a broader temporal span in order to get a full picture of human-environment interactions and the dynamic nature of these systems.

Research associated with the project includes:

      • Human-caribou relationship through time as experienced at York Factory, northern Manitoba. L. Hebert; M. Manseau and Iain Davidson-Hunt (supervisors), University of Manitoba.
      • Using Scientific and Inuit Knowledge to Understand Recovery Patterns of Peary caribou in Quttinirpaaq National Park of Canada, Northern Ellesmere Island.  S. Petersen, M. Manseau, P. Wilson (supervisor), Trent University and Parks Canada.
      • Ecological History of Peary Caribou and Muskox on Northern Ellesmere Island, ca. 4300 BP to present. M. Manseau, L. Dick and N. Lyons, Parks Canada.
      • Arctic Environment, Settlements, and Political Power: Navigating Between Different Disciplines and Knowledge Paradigms. L, Dick, M. Manseau, Parks Canada.
      • Landscape use pattern of Peary caribou on northern Ellesmere Island using AVHRR satellite images. C. St-Pierre, Simon Fraser University, M. Manseau (co-supervisor), M.-J. Fortin (supervisor), Toronto University.