Long-term functionality of woody debris structures for forest-floor small mammals on clearcuts

Sullivan, Thomas P.; Sullivan, Druscilla S.

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2019.117535

Cited by 12 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…Second, we showed that burrow microhabitat contained a high quantity of coarse woody debris, a feature particularly associated with small mammals’ presence, abundance and diversity ( e.g ., McComb, 2009 ; Fauteux et al, 2013 ; Sullivan & Sullivan, 2019 ), as they play diverse functional roles in predation avoidance. For instance, woody debris facilitates predator detection by prey by allowing the latter to rise above dense vegetative ground cover ( Machutchon & Harestad, 1990 ; Mahan & Yahner, 1996 ), and reduces detection of prey by predators, because movement over woody debris is faster and minimizes the noise produced compared to movement in dry leaf litter ( Roche, Schulte-Hostedde & Brooks, 1999 ; McCay, 2000 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental and individual determinants of burrow-site microhabitat selection, occupancy, and fidelity in eastern chipmunks living in a pulsed-resource ecosystem

Gaudreau-Rousseau

Bergeron

Réale

et al. 2023

PeerJ

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Background Habitat selection has major consequences on individual fitness, particularly selection for breeding sites such as nests or burrows. Theory predicts that animals will first use optimal habitats or rearrange their distribution by moving to higher-quality habitats whenever possible, for instance when another resident disperses or dies, or when environmental changes occur. External constraints, such as predation risk or resource abundance, and interindividual differences in age, sex and body condition can lead to variation in animals’ perception of habitat quality. Following habitat use by individuals over their lifetime is thus essential to understand the causes of variation in habitat selection within a population. Methods We used burrow occupancy data collected over eight years to assess burrow-site selection in a population of wild eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) relying on pulsed resources. We first compared characteristics of burrow microhabitats with those of equivalent unused plots. We then investigated the factors influencing the frequency of burrow occupation over time, and the individual and environmental causes of annual burrow fidelity decisions. Results Our results indicate that chipmunks select microhabitats with a greater number of woody debris and greater slopes. Microhabitats of burrows with higher occupancy rates had a lower shrub stratum, were less horizontally opened and their occupants’ sex-ratio was skewed towards males. Burrow fidelity was higher in non-mast years and positively related to the occupant’s age, microhabitat canopy cover and density of large red maples. Conclusion The quality of a burrow microhabitat appears to be determined in part by characteristics that favour predation avoidance, but consideration of occupancy and fidelity patterns over several years also highlighted the importance of including individual and contextual factors in habitat selection studies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental and individual determinants of burrow-site microhabitat selection, occupancy, and fidelity in eastern chipmunks living in a pulsed-resource ecosystem

Gaudreau-Rousseau

Bergeron

Réale

et al. 2023

PeerJ

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“…Clearings were produced by cutting young trees and leaving branches, tops and other small woody material on the ground as deadwood. This practice is regulated by the Piedmont Region to maintain fertility and protect soil from erosion, but also supports forest biodiversity, e.g., saproxylic species [53,54], small mammals [55,56] and reptiles [57]. In addition to creating the clearings, the plan included forest improvements, such as thinning and selective cutting in about 40 ha in the surrounding area of the corridor.…”

Section: Phase 3: Ad Hoc Solution To Reverse Habitat Lossmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Forest Compensation Funds to Reverse Biodiversity Loss: A Case Study of Turin–Lyon High-Speed Railway Line

et al. 2022

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Megaprojects radically change the landscape due to their large-scale and high investments. Forests are often one of the most affected habitats, as they are frequently included in megaproject construction sites. These habitats support rich animal communities that the new settlement may threaten. Among all species present in any construction site, those listed in the Habitats Directive (92/43/CEE) deserve particular attention as they are protected throughout Europe. Here, we present a case study related to the expansion of an industrial site, part of the megaproject Turin–Lyon high-speed railway, where forest compensations were used to reverse biodiversity loss. The site expansion scheduled for 2020 included mature forests and clearings that used to host a butterfly species and at least 15 bat species protected by the Habitats Directive and other taxa of conservation concern. Forest compensations are usually used to finance tree plantations and forest improvements. In this case study, for the first time, we used them to maintain local biodiversity, which otherwise would have been severely compromised by the site expansion. Indeed, our approach has made it possible to allocate forest compensation funding to restore or improve habitats to favor biodiversity. This approach may be exported to other megaprojects to support local biodiversity.

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“…Similarly, various chipmunk and shrew species may use CWD as travel paths with little or no population response [72][73][74]. Clearly, red-backed voles and associated small mammals will persist in these structures for at least 12 years, at or near the abundance levels found in uncut forest [70]. The longevity of the structures may depend on the materials in the piles (e.g., tree species and climate) in terms of decay and functionality.…”

Section: Woody Debris Structures As Mammal Habitatmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fate of Postharvest Woody Debris, Mammal Habitat, and Alternative Management of Forest Residues on Clearcuts: A Synthesis

Sullivan

Sullivan²,

Klenner

2021

Forests

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Coarse woody debris on the forest floor contributes to maintenance of forest biodiversity and long-term ecosystem productivity. Down wood is often dispersed over harvested sites during logging activities, thereby leaving piles of postharvest debris as “excess” material at landings and roadsides. These wood residues may be burned in most jurisdictions in North America to reduce a perceived fire hazard. The fire hazard debate needs to acknowledge the documented benefits of woody debris retention while striking a balance among biodiversity, bioenergy, and alternative uses for debris, while reducing ignitions by humans. The burning of excess woody debris also creates smoke, causes the release of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and creates human health issues, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The relationship of wildfire smoke to human health problems is well documented. However, there is no scientific evidence showing that postharvest debris piles are ignition points for forest fires, other than those caused by humans. Wood residues from forest harvesting or natural disturbance wood from wildfire and insect outbreaks may be used as renewable biomass “feedstocks” that could help improve energy supplies and reduce GHG emissions. If not marketable, the management of postharvest debris should seek alternative outlets that do not dispose of debris by burning, but still meet fire hazard abatement requirements. The construction of woody debris structures (e.g., piles and windrows) built at the time of forest harvesting and log processing, or later at the site preparation stages, has positive benefits for wildlife habitat and forest biodiversity. A windrow or series of piles may connect patches and reserves of mature forest and riparian areas on clearcut openings. Piles and windrows have consistently provided habitat on new clearcuts for southern red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi) and Microtus voles, as well as a host of other forest-floor small mammal species, at least up to 12 years postconstruction. Woody debris provides important habitat for foraging and cover attributes for marten (Martes americana), weasels (Mustela spp.), and other furbearers. A list of “What to do?” and “When and Where?” with options for construction of woody debris habitats: poorest, good, better, and best are given. In the cases where fire risk from humans is minimized and there are no marketable wood products, eight alternative management scenarios for postharvest woody debris are provided. These include: (1) piles for wildlife habitat; (2) distribution of debris in partial cut forests; (3) machinery to break up and crush debris; (4) protection of riparian zones with barriers for cattle; (5) construction of range fencing; (6) reclamation of landings and skid-trails; (7) soil fertility and reduction in weed competition and drought for planted conifers; and (8) slope stabilization and revegetation. Advantages and disadvantages (if known) are given for each alternative. A flow chart for the fate of excess postharvest woody debris with respect to fire hazard abatement and markets or nonmarkets is given.

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Long-term functionality of woody debris structures for forest-floor small mammals on clearcuts

Cited by 12 publications

References 53 publications

Environmental and individual determinants of burrow-site microhabitat selection, occupancy, and fidelity in eastern chipmunks living in a pulsed-resource ecosystem

Environmental and individual determinants of burrow-site microhabitat selection, occupancy, and fidelity in eastern chipmunks living in a pulsed-resource ecosystem

Using Forest Compensation Funds to Reverse Biodiversity Loss: A Case Study of Turin–Lyon High-Speed Railway Line

Fate of Postharvest Woody Debris, Mammal Habitat, and Alternative Management of Forest Residues on Clearcuts: A Synthesis

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