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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
We analyzed the effects of landscape measures within the
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program on the suitability, abundance
and spatial pattern of vertebrate habitats based on modeling and
simulation of landscape and stand structure in a forested watershed in
East Texas. Eight vertebrate species representing guilds established according
to breeding and foraging requirements were selected: American
beaver (Castor canadensis), American woodcock (Scolopax minor),
pine warbler (Dendroica pinus), downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens),
barred owl (Strix varia), wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris),fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).
Habitat suitability of the landscape in general increased with the implementation
of SFI measures and habitat conditions were more diverse and
even. Fragmentation and establishment of narrow and elongated habitat
areas in a network configuration were the main consequences of the implementation
of SFI measures in terms of habitat spatial structure. These
changes were usually not limiting for the species analyzed. Mature pine
and hardwood stands were absent from the simulated landscapes limiting
the habitat for species like downy woodpecker or barred owl.Most
of the species considered in this work benefited particularly from the
implementation of streamside management zones (SMZs).
Description
Keywords
Wildlife habitat quality and configuration Landscape Sustainable forestry Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) East Texas
Citation
Azevedo, João; Wu, X. Ben; Messina, Michael G.; Fisher, Richard F. (2006) – Effects of the sustainable forestry initiative on the quality, abundance, and configuration of wildlife habitats. Journal of Sustainable Forestry. ISSN 1054-9811. 23:1, p. 37-65