Abstract

Coastal dune ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest are known to be highly complex, dynamic, and are relatively vulnerable to climatic changes (Madurapperuma, B, et al. 2020). There are many evolving factors that have the potential to influence the coastal dune ecosystem ecology. For example, disturbance from noxious non-native species, anthropogenic factors, fire, and climatic changes are known to affect the stability of active coastal dune systems (DaSilva, M et al. 2021). The widespread colonization of European beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria) is a specific disrupter of coastal dune ecology as introduced non-native species and has decreased biodiversity of flora and fauna at the Ocean Ranch Unit in the Eel River Wildlife Area (Ocean Ranch Restoration Project Final EIR, 2021). An estimated 40 to 60 percent of the coastal dune system has been covered by Ammophila arenaria since its introduction to Humboldt County in the 1970’s (Ocean Ranch Restoration Project Final EIR, 2021). In restoration of the coastal dune system, the Ocean Ranch Restoration Project has employed a variety of eradication strategies including prescribed burning, herbicide application, manual removal, mechanical removal, or a combination of methods (Ocean Ranch Restoration Project Final EIR, 2021). However, evaluating the recolonization of biological communities is important in monitoring the success of these treatments. Lepidoptera are newly emerging as an effective indicator species of ecosystem health due to their population relationship to successional stages of ecosystem development (Dar, A. A. & Jamal, K. 2021). In support of monitoring the reestablishing coastal dune communities, this study examines the Lepidopteran abundance and diversity through sampling of moth assemblages in the treatment plots of the Ocean Ranch Restoration Project (ORRP).

Date

Fall 2023

Department

Environmental Science & Management

Advisor/Professor

Daniel Lipe

Citation Style

APA

Share

Thesis/Dissertation Location

 
COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.