Findings

Monitoring biodiversity on a global basis gives us a better understanding of what exists on Earth and what needs to be protected. If we understand natural processes and changes in biodiversity, then we can plan more effectively for sustainable use of resources. We can make informed decisions about how to protect these resources and conserve biodiversity.

Assessing changes in forest biodiversity is a long-term process. Once forest plots have been established, it's expected that they will remain forever and that researchers will continue to study them.

In 1999, the trees in Plot 1 and Plot 2 at Kejimkujik National Park were remeasured. This is called a re-census. Plots will be re-censused every five years to collect information on tree growth and mortality rates. As trees grow and biodiversity changes, new discoveries will be made.

The forest biodiversity project in Kejimkujik is ongoing. No end date has been set. The study will continue as long as it's of value to all partners.

It's too early to draw any definitive conclusions about how forest biodiversity is changing from the 1999 re-census results. However, some of the other studies that have been carried out in the plots are providing valuable information.

• Researchers have identified a number of fungi species new to Nova Scotia.
• A study of the moths and butterflies in the forest canopy of Plot 1 identified new species for Canada. One of these is a hybrid of the Pine Budworm and the Spruce Budworm.
• The first records of the gypsy moth being in Nova Scotia were made in Plot 1. This is an introduced species, which has become a major pest in Canada.

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