Science-Based Guidelines for Managing Northern Goshawk Breeding Areas in Coastal British Columbia

Abstract

Northern Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis laingi) have been recognized as a species of management concern in western North America for over 20 years. One of the most significant factors threatening Northern Goshawk populations in coastal British Columbia is the loss and fragmentation of structurally old and mature forests they use for breeding, foraging, and roosting. The goal of this report is to provide science-based guidelines for qualified environmental professonals to assist in their decision-making processes concerning Northern Goshawk habitat management in coastal British Columbia. These guidelines were previously unavailable or inconsistent and did not provide a thorough review of the scientific literature. The best management practices presented here are intended for use by qualified environmental professonals and managers when undertaking industrial activities, primarily forestry, around Northern Goshawk breeding areas within coastal British Columbia.

Wildlife studies on the Tongass National Forest challenge essential assumptions of its wildlife conservation strategy

“…Post‐fledging areas surround active nest trees, average 800 ha in southeast Alaska (Iverson et al 1996), and represent the core‐use area of adult female and young goshawks after fledging but before becoming independent of adults and dispersing (Kenward 1982, Kenward et al 1993, Kennedy et al 1994). McClaren et al (2005) suggested the biological role of post‐fledging areas and nest areas are similar and to consider them as one functional component. Regardless, the habitat composition of post‐fledging areas should be similar to nest areas (Reynolds et al 2008).…”