DESCRIPTION: In the last few decades, a lot of studies have investigated the effect of forestry on mammals in eastern North America. But most of these studies have been conducted in short term. Yet, factors such as density-dependence and weather may affect habitat selection and its relationship with forestry practices. Those factors can only be analyzed based on long-term data on species habitat use. The objectives of my thesis are 1) to investigate if habitat selection of snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) is density-dependent, 2) to evaluate habitat use of snowshoe hare in relation to seasonal and annual variations in snow depth, 3) to evaluate the spatio-temporal dynamics of the hare-marten-squirrel-lynx-fox complex, also in light of the spatial distribution of habitat. The study area is Forêt Montmorency, situated about 80 km north from Quebec City. Forest in this area is managed for multiple uses: recreational, research and saw timber harvest. Balsam fir is the dominant tree species in this area. The study site has a mean annual precipitation of 1500 mm. The mean annual temperature is 0.4 °C. Annual snowfall is about 6m, and snow depth reaches 2 m in late March. This study will be based entirely on snow tracking surveys conducted since 2000, and until 2014. Not only should it contribute to a better understanding of habitat selection by wintering mammals, but it should also provide useful guidance for local forest management by offering a less static view of the mammal community than previously available in the area.

Education

• Ph.D. Université Laval, Doctorat en Sciences Forestières, 2011 - Current
• M.Sc. Kyoto Prefectural University, Japan, 2009-2011
• B.Sc. Kyoto Prefectural University, Japan, 2005-2009