A. Sinclair et Pm. Catling, Ontario Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis, populations in relation to habitat size, paths, and woodland edges, CAN FIELD-N, 114(4), 2000, pp. 652-655
Relationships between Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) populations and
habitat size, paths, and woodland edges were explored in order to provide i
nformation necessary for conservation planning. Habitat size was considered
in the broad context of size of natural area as well as in the narrower co
ntext of size of suitable, more or less wooded habitat. Linear regression d
emonstrated a marginally significant negative relationship between number o
f stems and natural area size. A significant negative relationship was foun
d between number of stems and habitat size, Chi-square tests, based on comp
arison of frequencies of Goldenseal patches with frequencies of random neig
hbourhood points within 5 m of paths and 10 m of woodland edges, revealed a
significant association between Goldenseal and both paths and edges. Regre
ssion of population size with a disturbance factor, based on both paths and
edges, revealed a significant positive effect of disturbance. These relati
onships suggest that Goldenseal may be adequately protected in relatively s
mall areas, that certain kinds of disturbance may not be detrimental, and t
hat simulation of natural disturbance could even lead To successful recover
y.