Effects of elevation and forest cover on winter birds in mature forest ecosystems of southern British Columbia

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (11) ◽  
pp. 1720-1730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim R Herbers ◽  
Robert Serrouya ◽  
Katherine A Maxcy
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Mature Forest ◽  
Bird Density ◽  
Coarse Filter

Winter diversity, distribution, and density of nonmigratory birds were examined in six mature forest ecosystems from two study areas in southern British Columbia. Forest age ranged from 91 to 150 years and the ecosystems ranged from 500 to 2100 m above sea level. Sampled forest stands had no previous history of logging and were a minimum 30 ha in size. The main objectives of this study were to measure nonmigratory birds in relation to elevation and to percentage of stand-level lodgepole pine composition. Twenty-one nonmigratory bird species totaling 2747 observations were detected at 775 point-count stations in 107 stands using 10-min unlimited-distance point counts. Pine siskins (Carduelis pinus (Wilson, 1810)), red-breasted nuthatches (Sitta canadensis L., 1766), and red crossbills (Loxia curvirostra L., 1758) were the three most commonly detected species. Mature forests at low elevation had between 1.7 and 3.5 times more species and between 2.0 and 4.7 times more birds than forests at high elevation. In addition, species richness and bird density declined with increasing stand-level composition of lodgepole pine. We suggest that low-elevation ecosystems be given high priority in coarse-filter management of winter bird habitat.

scholarly journals Height Growth Models for High-Elevation Subalpine Fir, Engelmann Spruce, and Lodgepole Pine in British Columbia

2000 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han Y. H. Chen ◽  
Karel Klinka
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Site Index ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Logistic Function ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Potential Productivity ◽  
Subalpine Fir ◽  
Engelmann Spruce

Abstract To estimate potential productivity of the high-elevation Engelmann Spruce and Subalpine Fir (ESSF) zone of British Columbia forests, the height growth models developed from low-elevation forests are currently used to estimate site indices of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). Whether these models are adequate to describe height growth of high-elevation forests is of concern. We sampled a total of 319 naturally established, even-aged, and undamaged stands with breast height age ≥50 yr (165 for subalpine fir, 87 for Engelmann spruce, and 67 for lodgepole pine) ranging widely in climate and available soil moisture and nutrients. In each sampled stand, three dominant trees were destructively sampled for stem analysis. Height growth models developed from fitting data to a conditioned logistic function explained > 97% variation in height for all three study species. Examined by residual analysis, no models showed lack of fit. These models provided more accurate estimates of site index than the currently used models developed from low-elevation stands or different species. It is recommended that the models developed in this study be applied to estimate site index of the three species in the ESSF zone in British Columbia. West. J. Appl. For. 15(2):62-69.

Stability of resistance among Pinuscontorta provenances to Lophodermellaconcolor needle cast

1987 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 1596-1601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng C. Ying ◽  
R. S. Hunt
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Needle Cast ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
Provenance Trials ◽  
Genetically Improved ◽  
Stability Of Resistance ◽  
High Degree

Lophodermellaconcolor needle cast was rated in 41 lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta) provenance trials in the central and southern interior of British Columbia. Moist, low-elevation sites were most severely affected while sites at high elevation and in dry climatic zones were free of L. concolor. Lodgepole pine populations exhibited a high degree of stability (low site by provenance interaction) and genetic variability in resistance to L. concolor. These characteristics favor selecting resistant seed sources and incorporating them into genetically improved stock. Most provenances, other than those from the interior British Columbia and Alberta geographic region, were extremely susceptible to L. concolor. Susceptibility to L. concolor increased with the elevation of provenance for those provenances of interest to silviculturalists and tree improvement specialists in the interior of British Columbia.

scholarly journals The recent distribution of endemic, disjunct and globally uncommon birds in the forests of Kerala State, south-west India

1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. J. Zacharias ◽  
Anthony J. Gaston
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Western India ◽  
Large Network ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Bird Populations ◽  
Disjunct Populations ◽  
Kerala State

SummarySurveyed the avifaunas of 24 forest areas in Kerala State, south-western India, over the period 1973–1997, recording 309 species. We give details here of distributions and status for all species endemic to South Asia and all those having isolated populations, disjunct from conspecifics in northern India (disjunct species). Most bird species found in Kerala that are endemic to southern India, or form disjunct populations, occur in forest habitats. Those species endemic to the Western Ghats (passerines), or constituting disjunct populations (raptors) tend to have more restricted occurrence than other forest birds. For the passerines this is because they are mainly confined to high elevation forests and grasslands: rather restricted habitats in Kerala. The raptors may be more dependent than other species on large areas of forest and hence may have suffered from recent reductions in forest cover. Current trends in forest clearance for agriculture and plantations and encroachment by settlers, threaten especially the birds of low and middle altitude forests. The present status of such birds as Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus, Great Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus macrotis, Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis and White-bellied Blue Flycatcher Cyornis pallipes seems to be markedly worse than that described by Ali (1969) for the 1930s. These species, as well as Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis and Black-crested Baza Aviceda leuphotes, are patchily distributed at low densities and may be vulnerable to extirpation from local areas. Higher altitude habitats, where many endemics occur, cover smaller areas, but are less threatened. However, some species occurring at low densities (Rufous-bellied Eagle Hieraaetus kienerii, White-bellied Shortwing Brachypteryx major, Black-and-orange Flycatcher Ficedula nigrorufa, Broad-tailed Grassbird Schoenicola platyura) may be vulnerable to extirpation or extinction in the long term. Kerala has a large network of protected areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries). Effective protection of those areas should be sufficient to maintain most species, although the coverage of low altitude forest is poor and remaining fragments should be carefully protected. There is continuous pressure on all habitats and bird populations will need to be carefully monitored in future if Kerala's endemic and disjunct populations are to be maintained.

scholarly journals Response of small mammals and birds to partial cutting and clearcutting in northwest British Columbia

1998 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 703-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Steventon ◽  
K. L. MacKenzie ◽  
T. E. Mahon
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Significant Difference

A challenge facing forest managers is providing habitats for wildlife associated with mature or old-growth forests. One approach is to use partial cutting which maintains forest cover while still allowing timber harvest. We compared small mammal (voles, mice and shrews) and bird abundance after two intensities of partial cutting (30% and 60% volume removal) to clearcuts and uncut natural stands in coast-interior transitional forests of British Columbia. The 30% removal resulted in no significant difference in the bird community compared to the uncut stands, while southern red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi) increased in abundance. Bird and small mammal communities in the 60% removal treatment were closer to the uncut forest than to clearcuts, but also included species typical of clearcuts. At least one bird species, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata), was most abundant in the 60% removal treatment. Several species such as the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) were most abundant in clearcuts, and Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) and Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) were almost exclusively found in clearcuts. Scattered aspen and birch trees left in two of the clearcuts were used as cavity nest trees by Red-breasted Sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus ruber), Hairy Woodpeckers (Picoides villosus), and Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). We concluded that both of the partial cutting treatments provided habitat for small mammals and birds typical of mature forest, although the heavy removal began to show a shift towards species typical of clearcuts. Because no single treatment was optimal for all species, we recommend that partial cutting be part of a landscape strategy to provide a range of habitat conditions similar to those occurring under natural disturbance regimes. Key words: Partial cutting, clearcutting, silvicultural systems, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, ecosystem management, birds, small mammals

scholarly journals Avian conservation value of pine plantation forests in northern Vietnam

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
VU TIEN THINH ◽  
PAUL F. DOHERTY ◽  
KATHRYN P. HUYVAERT
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Pine Plantations ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Conservation Value ◽  
Pine Plantation ◽  
Mature Forest ◽  
Total Species Richness ◽  
Second Growth

SummaryDecline of native forest cover is a worldwide concern. Recently, overall forest cover in Vietnam has increased, but most of the increase has been attributed to plantations of non-native trees. The conservation value of these plantations for birds is unknown. We compared avian species richness in pine plantations to that in second-growth and mature native forests in Tam Dao National Park, Vietnam. Bird species were classified into two categories: forest specialists or forest generalists. To account for strong heterogeneity in detection probabilities, the number of species in each category was estimated using the Pledger-Huggins estimator. We estimated total species richness and number of forest specialist species to be highest in mature forest (191; 95% CI = 96, 287, and 88; 95% CI = 47, 129 respectively), lower in second-growth forest (158; 95% CI = 87, 245 and 58; 95% CI = 18, 98 respectively), and lowest in pine plantation (106; 95% CI = 52, 158 and 49; 95% CI = 2, 97 respectively). The estimated number of forest generalist species was similar between mature forest and second-growth forest (103; 95% CI = 17, 189 and 100; 95% CI = 42, 158, respectively) and least in pine plantation (57; 95% CI = 31, 82). The maintenance of native forest types should receive priority for conservation in Vietnam and pine plantations should be managed to provide additional structure in the hope of increasing species richness.

Snow avalanche penetration into mature forest from timber-harvested terrain

2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Anderson ◽  
D. McClung
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Lateral Spread ◽  
Snow Avalanches ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Mature Forest ◽  
Columbia Mountains ◽  
Vegetation Characteristics ◽  
Terrain Characteristics

Clear-cut logging in British Columbia, Canada, is creating new avalanche start zones from which snow avalanches sufficient in size to penetrate and destroy mature forest cover can initiate. In addition to creating new start zones, the presence of these logging cut blocks can augment the destructive potential of previously existing avalanche paths. Forest-penetrating avalanches can pose a significant risk to down-slope structures and resources. This study is the first to develop and utilize a database containing information on penetration distances and lateral spread from avalanches that have penetrated forest cover. The study area for this research spans the Southern Coast and Columbia Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Analysis focuses on terrain characteristics related to forest penetration and the resultant destruction of mature standing forest. Physical terrain and vegetation characteristics in the avalanche starting zone, track, and runout zone of 45 forest-penetrating avalanches are described, measured, and parameterized. The results provide tools to assess and evaluate potential forest-penetrating avalanche terrain, and runout models for avalanches in forested terrain.

Bird community structure in natural and urbanized habitats along an altitudinal gradient in Pauri district (Garhwal Himalaya) of Uttarakhand state, India

Biologia ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Archana Naithani ◽  
Dinesh Bhatt
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Altitudinal Gradient ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Community ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Forest Habitat ◽  
Rarefaction Analysis

AbstractIn the Indian subcontinent there is hardly any study that compares the bird community structure of urban/suburban areas with those of forest habitat. The present survey identified diverse assemblages of birds in the Pauri district at different elevations. A total of 125 bird species belonging to 40 families including two least count species (Lophura leucomelanos and Pucrasia marcolopha) were recorded during this survey in the forest and urbanized habitats of Pauri District (Garhwal Hiamalaya) of Uttarakhand state, India. The high elevation (Pauri 1600–2100 m a.s.l.), mid elevation (Srikot-Khanda 900–1300 m a.s.l.) and low elevation (Srinagar 500–900 m a.s.l.) contributed 88.8%, 63.2% and 58.4% of the total species respectively. Rarefaction analysis and Shannon diversity index showed that the high elevation forest habitat had highest bird species richness (BSR) and bird species diversity (BSD) followed by the mid and then the low elevation forests. BSR and BSD fluctuated across seasons at all elevations but not across habitat types. Present study provides a base line data about avian community composition in urbanized and natural habitats along altitudinal gradient in the study area. This information may be useful to the conservation biologists for the better management and conservation of the avifauna in the Western Himalaya, a part of one of the hot biodiversity spots of the world.

scholarly journals Spore Dispersal by Dothistroma septosporum in Northwest British Columbia

2015 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kennedy Boateng ◽  
Kathy J. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Summer Precipitation ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Spore Dispersal ◽  
Mixed Species ◽  
Inoculum Sources ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Dothistroma Septosporum ◽  
Needle Blight

We studied spore dispersal by Dothistroma septosporum, causal agent of a serious outbreak of red band needle blight in lodgepole pine plantations in northwest British Columbia. Spore abundance was assessed at different distances and heights from inoculum sources and microclimatic factors were recorded during two consecutive years. Conidia were observed on spore traps from June to September during periods of rainfall. It was rare to detect spores more than 2 m away from inoculum sources. The timing and number of conidia dispersed were strongly tied to the climatic variables, particularly rainfall and leaf wetness. Should the trend toward increased spring and summer precipitation in the study area continue, the results suggest that disease spread and intensification will also increase. Increasing the planting distances between lodgepole pine trees through mixed species plantations and overall reduction in use of lodgepole pine for regeneration in wet areas are the best strategies to reduce the spread of the disease and enhance future productivity of plantations in the study area.

scholarly journals Identifying and Characterizing Important Trembling Aspen Competitors with Juvenile Lodgepole Pine in Three South-Central British Columbia Ecosystems

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Teresa A. Newsome ◽  
Jean L. Heineman ◽  
Amanda F. Linnell Nemec
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Relative Height ◽  
Trembling Aspen ◽  
Ecosystem Productivity ◽  
Height Ratio ◽  
Critical Height ◽  
South Central

Critical height ratios for predicting competition between trembling aspen and lodgepole pine were identified in six juvenile stands in three south-central British Columbia ecosystems. We used a series of regression analyses predicting pine stem diameter from the density of neighbouring aspen in successively shorter relative height classes to identify the aspen-pine height ratio that maximizedR2. Critical height ratios varied widely among sites when stands were 8–12 years old but, by age 14–19, had converged at 1.25–1.5. MaximumR2values at age 14–19 ranged from 13.4% to 69.8%, demonstrating that the importance of aspen competition varied widely across a relatively small geographic range. Logistic regression also indicated that the risk of poor pine vigour in the presence of aspen varied between sites. Generally, the degree of competition, risk to pine vigour, and size of individual aspen contributing to the models declined along a gradient of decreasing ecosystem productivity.

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