In the aim of understanding the relationship between nature and it’s inhabitants, my research delves into the relationship of wildlife and the seasonal development of a sweet chestnut tree. The seasonal transition from winter to spring in Vernon, BC. It unveils a dynamic interplay of ecological phenomena, the chestnut tree, provides a unique observation site to see the fluctuations in wildlife presence, several factors like human activity, vegetative growth and temperature variations could influence that. This utilizes landscape ecology, to better understand the patterns presented from vegetation, human presence, and wildlife as the working variables. The backyard acts as the setting for the gradient of all the variables at play, to see their effect on wildlife presence as the seasons change.
First to evaluate human presence and wildlife activity: the onset of spring naturally relates to an increase in human activity within the vicinity of the sweet chestnut tree, coinciding with a noticeable alteration in wildlife behaviour. Based solely on observational data, there is a correlation between heightened human presence and shifts in wildlife activity patterns. This phenomenon prompts inquiries into the potential mechanisms driving these interactions and how they implicate wildlife conservation efforts in urban ecosystems.
Next to evaluate vegetative abundance and wildlife: again, in relation to spring, the surrounding vegetative landscape experiences a surge in growth and vitality, from flowers to shrubs, to birds singing again, everything returns to “life”. This resurgence in greenery might coincide with heightened wildlife utilization and could be completely unrelated to the growth development of trees of any variety. Exploring the relationship between vegetative abundance and wildlife presence offers insights into habitat preferences and resource utilization strategies adopted by local fauna, informing broader ecological studies on habitat dynamics and species as a whole.
Lastly, to evaluate temperature fluctuations and wildlife behaviour: as temperatures ascend with spring, there is a shift in wildlife behaviour, from dormant to expansive. This is notable from the chestnut tree, as it begins to bud, and the scent it gives off becomes more palpable. The correlation between temperature fluctuations and wildlife activity underscores the roles of climatic variables in the shaping of ecological processes within ecosystems. This observation prompts further investigation to examine the adaptive responses seen in wildlife as a result of changing environments, like mechanisms of adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change. This area is incredibly important, and one I didn’t imagine when I first thought of this idea. Yet, as the seasons were changing, I noticed that this year was faster than most, and the buds on the chestnut came earlier than expected, this aspect albeit, not the main focus, is incredibly important to consider when examining shifting environments of any kind, and my backyard is the ideal landscape for me to notice this, as the shifts would appear minor to a passerby, but as I have lived here for over 10 years, I know that this shift is not common and makes me shift the direction of my study slightly.
To conclude, the seasonal transition from winter to spring unveiled a kaleidoscope of ecological dynamics surrounding the chestnut tree in my backyard, through the examination of human activity, vegetative abundance, and temperature fluctuations, I have been able to better understand the role of outside variables on the presence of wildlife, and how one tree might not change the course of wildlife, it does create an example on how climate change has affected nature, and how this will translate to affecting wildlife.
Keywords:
-sweet chestnut tree
-wildlife presence
-human activity
-vegetative abundance
-temperature fluctuations
-urban ecosystems
-ecological dynamics
-climate change