Importance of residual trees to birds in regenerating pine plantations

Abstract

Pine plantation establishment methods can alter vegetation composition and structure, thus affecting habitat important characteristics for declining early successional bird species. We evaluated eight vegetation characteristics, which varied due to a range of pine plantation establishment methods, to identify vegetation most closely associated with spring bird abundance in the Lower Coastal Plain of southern Mississippi, USA. Presence of residual trees and snags was positively related to relative abundance of 10 of 14 common species present in regenerating stands. Cover of woody vegetation was positively related to relative abundance of 4 species and negatively related to relative abundance of 2 species. For 5 species, increasing pine tree cover had a negative relationship with relative abundance. Residual trees and snags contributed to avian abundance and richness in regenerating pine plantations. Integration of habitat elements, such as residual trees that influence abundance of birds and other wildlife, with intensive pine plantation establishment can aid managers to attain wildlife conservation in intensively managed stands

Effects of historical and current disturbance on forest biomass in Minnesota

“…Low density reforestation is possible and likely desirable in agriculturally marginal lands and low density urbanized areas, by planting widely spaced trees in pastures and lawns, along fence rows and roads, land and field boundaries, and other unused space. Due to current scarcity of open forest ecosystems that used to be abundant in the eastern US, scattered trees and trees retained after harvest provide high conservation value to wildlife (Manning et al 2006;Hanberry et al 2012c).…”

Long-term effects of single-tree selection cutting management on coarse woody debris in natural mixed beech stands in the Caspian forest (Iran)

“…They are an important environmental element and are essential for maintaining biodiversity in forest ecosystems (Wisdom & Bate 2008). CWD plays an important role in supporting wildlife and assisting ecological processes (Corace et al 2010, Hanberry et al 2012. Wildlife use CWD for nesting, roosting, foraging, perching, and territorial displays (Lučan et al 2009, Wisdom & Bate 2008.…”

“…Wildlife use CWD for nesting, roosting, foraging, perching, and territorial displays (Lučan et al 2009, Wisdom & Bate 2008. CWD has a wide range of ecological values in forest ecosystems, offering habitat for many living organisms (Lučan et al 2009, Hanberry et al 2012, providing carbon sequestration (Matsuzaki et al 2013) and forest productivity preservation, as well as contributing to soil development and to nutrient cycles (Strukelj et al 2013). CWD is an important component of wildlife habitat, and it is critical for the maintenance of biodiversity, soil organic matter and long-term site productivity (Tavankar et al 2013, Picchio et al 2016.…”

Forest management and snag characteristics in Northern Iran lowland forests

“…Deadw ood has a wide range of ecological values in forest ecosystems, offering habitats for many living organisms (Bursell 2002, Humphrey et al 2002Britzke et al 2003, Lonsdale et al 2008Luan et al 2009;Hanberry et al 2012), providing carbon sequestration (Allard, Park 2013;Matsuzaki et al 2013) and forest productivity preservation and also contributing to soil development and to nutrient cycles (Laiho, Prescott 1999;Kim et al 2006;Strukelj et al 2013). Decaying logs retain moisture and nutrients and play an important role for forest regeneration and for the maintenance of microhabitats (Szewczyk, Szwagrzyk 1996).…”