History and restoration of the longleaf pine-grassland ecosystem: Implications for species at risk

Lear, David H. Van; Carroll, W. D.; Kapeluck, P.R.; Johnson, Rhett

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2005.02.014

Cited by 331 publications

(288 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Patches were created by clearing mature pine plantation forest and are now managed for restoration to longleaf pine savanna, a speciesrich, endangered habitat (Van Lear et al 2005, Jose et al 2006. Restoration practices include prescribed fire, planting of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) seedlings, and mechanical removal of hardwood trees.…”

Section: Study Sitementioning

confidence: 99%

Habitat corridors alter relative trophic position of fire ants

2012

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Abstract. Habitat fragmentation disrupts species movement, leading to local extinctions and altered community structure. Habitat corridors, which connect isolated patches of habitat and facilitate movement between patches, provide a potential solution to these negative impacts. However, most studies to date have examined the movement of species alone without considering emergent effects on the community (e.g., altered trophic structure). We use large-scale, experimental landscapes and nitrogen stable isotopes ratios (d 15 N) of a common generalist consumer (the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta) to determine how corridors affect trophic structure. Thus, because the fire ant is a species whose trophic position is flexible and whose diet typically reflects local prey availability, we assume that shifts in fire ants' trophic position between connected and isolated patches are likely to reflect shifts in patch trophic structure. We found that colonies in isolated patches had lower means and ranges of d suggest that fragmentation may reduce trophic position and narrow trophic breadth of dietary generalists such as the fire ant. These shifts likely reflect an alteration of food webs in isolated patches. Our results suggest that corridors may be effective in preventing or reducing such alterations.

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Section: Study Sitementioning

confidence: 99%

Habitat corridors alter relative trophic position of fire ants

2012

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“…The flora and fauna associated with longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests are one of the most diverse communities in North America (Peet and Allard 1993, Simberloff 1993, Van Lear et al 2005. Currently, this ecosystem is also one of the most endangered in North America, occupying a mere 3-5% of its historical range (Frost 1993, Landers et al 1995.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seeking parsimony in landscape metrics

Cunningham

Johnson

2011

J Wildl Manag

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Numerous metrics describing landscape patterns have been used to explain landscape‐scale habitat selection by birds. The myriad metrics, their complexity, and inconsistent responses to them by birds have led to a lack of clear recommendations for managing land for desired species. The amount of a target land cover type in the landscape (percentage cover) often has been a useful indicator of the likelihood of species occurrence or of habitat selection; is it also a more adequate and parsimonious measure for explaining species distributions than patch size or more complex measures of landscape configuration? We examined responses of 6 woodland‐interior bird species to the percentage tree cover within prescribed areas and to patch size, edge density, and other metrics. We examined responses in 2 landscapes: a mixed woodland‐savanna and an eastern deciduous forest. For these 6 species, percentage tree cover explained bird occurrence as well as or better than other measures in both study areas. We then repeated the analysis on a larger group of woodland species, including those associated with woodland edges. The bird species we studied had varied responses to landscape metrics, but percentage tree cover was the strongest explanatory variable overall. Although percentage cover estimated from remotely sensed data is an inexact representation of habitat in the landscape, it does appear to be reliable and easy to conceptualize, relative to other measures. We suggest that, at least for woodland habitat, percentage cover is a broadly useful measure that can be helpful in pragmatic questions of explaining responses to landscapes or in anticipating responses to landscape change. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.

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“…Partnerships face challenges in conducting fire use at levels required to maintain or restore ecosystems (Allen et al 2002, Van Lear et al 2005. Constraints such as the cost of implementing prescribed burning and shortage of trained personnel can limit the use of fire (Cleaves et al 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%