This study determined the salinity, chironomid density, biomass, and species composition in ponds on a freshwater marsh, an undamaged supratidal marsh, and a marsh degraded by lesser snow goose (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) grubbing, at the La Perouse Bay in Manitoba. Salinity was directly related to the amount of vegetation removed by geese and was lowest in freshwater ponds and highest in degraded ponds. Chironomid density was lowest in freshwater ponds and highest in undamaged supratidal ponds, however, biomass and body size of chironomid was greatest in degraded ponds due to the dominance of one large bodied chironomid species in these ponds. The results of this study suggest that degradation of marsh ponds, caused by goose grubbing, also reduces species richness and density of macroinvertebrates, which could have future impacts on waterfowl populations in this area.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.