The Appalachians, North America’s second-largest mountain system, extend from the Gaspé Peninsula of Québec down to Georgia in the southeastern United States. The northern region of the mountain chain is characterized by high levels of biological diversity due to its position in the transition zone between deciduous and boreal forest biomes.
Habitat degradation and loss caused by logging, residential development and associated road building continue to be the greatest threat to wildlife in the Northern Appalachian ecosystem. Resident meso-carnivores (mid-sized carnivores) — the new top predators following the demise of wolves and mountain lions in this region — are facing numerous challenges in the face of fragmentation of remaining habitat. In particular, Canada lynx and American marten, while relatively secure in most of Canada, are vulnerable to changing climate and forest conditions in the southern extensions of boreal habitat found here.
The principal goals of the WCS Canada Eastern Small Carnivore Initiative are to facilitate coordination among biologists and managers working with carnivores in the region; to help establish research and conservation priorities in Eastern North America; and to take part in on-the-ground research and conservation planning for lynx and marten in the transboundary area of the Northern Appalachians.
Continuing efforts include working with partners to bring scientific information to conservation and management processes in the region. This includes supporting primary research on the habitat requirements of lynx and other wide-ranging mammals. WCS is a member of the Nova Scotia Marten and Lynx Recovery Team and is a partner advising and supporting field research, educational outreach and forest industry dialogue on Cape Breton Island.
WCS Canada Researchers:
WCS Canada Partners: