1. EARTHWORMS (OLIGOCHAETA: LUMBRICIDAE) OF THE NEPISIGUIT PROTECTED NATURAL AREA AND REGION, NEW BRUNSWICK, WITH ADDITIONS TO THE PROVINCE.
- Author
-
Reynolds, John Warren, Hasson, Alyson J., and McAlpine, Donald F.
- Subjects
- *
EARTHWORMS , *LUMBRICIDAE , *LUMBRICUS rubellus , *FORESTS & forestry , *APORRECTODEA - Abstract
Ten species in six genera of introduced European lumbricids were recorded from the Nepisiguit Protected Natural Area (PNA) and region of New Brunswick, Canada. The most frequently collected species were Lumbricus rubellus, Aporrectodea tuberculata, and Ap. rosea. Octolasion cyaneum and O. trytaeum, both present in the Nepisiguit PNA, were recorded for the first time from New Brunswick. The remoteness and low human density of the region has not prevented the establishment of an earthworm fauna that is relatively diverse regionally, with 69% of provincial earthworm species present. We suggest that bait abandonment by recreational fishermen is important in the introduction and spread of non-native lumbricids in the Nepisiguit PNA. Further examination of the earthworm diversity of PNAs in the region, especially to determine degree of penetration into forest soils away from roads and rivers, will provide data useful in assessing the impact of non-native lumbricids on these protected forest lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015