scholarly journals FITOSSOCIOLOGIA DE UMA FLORESTA PLUVIAL SUBTROPICAL PRIMÁRIA NO SUL DO BRASIL

FLORESTA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 555 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Paulo De Maçaneiro ◽  
Rafaela Cristina Seubert ◽  
Lauri Amândio Schorn
Keyword(s):  
Rain Forest ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Forest Stand ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
Santa Catarina ◽  
Euterpe Edulis ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Forest Remnant ◽  
Forest Remnants

Em Santa Catarina, a Floresta Pluvial Subtropical encontra-se alterada, sobretudo em sua composição e estrutura. Assim, trabalhos que caracterizem os remanescentes florestais são importantes, pois podem servir de base para estudos de meta-análise. Neste trabalho, foi caracterizada a composição e a estrutura de uma Floresta Pluvial Subtropical e comparou-se a composição de espécies dessa floresta com outras da mesma fitofisionomia. A vegetação foi amostrada em 25 parcelas de 400 m², em que foram medidos os indivíduos com DAP ≥ 5 cm. Foram amostrados 1.727 indivíduos, distribuídos em 144 espécies, 91 gêneros e 45 famílias. Myrtaceae, Lauraceae e Fabaceae foram as famílias mais ricas, com destaque para os gêneros Ocotea, Myrcia e Eugenia. As espécies com maior percentual de importância foram Euterpe edulis Mart., Sloanea guianensis (Aubl.) Benth., Ocotea aciphylla (Nees & Mart.) Mez e Tapirira guianensis Aubl. Foram detectados dois grupos florísticos que se formaram devido à proximidade geográfica, sendo o primeiro grupo formado pelos estudos realizados na região sul-catarinense e o segundo por estudos realizados na região do Vale do Itajaí. Os resultados indicaram que a floresta é composta por espécies clímax tolerantes à sombra e pode ser caracterizada como um remanescente de vegetação bem conservado, indicando sua importância para conservação.AbstractPhytosociology of a primary Subtropical Rain Forest in southern Brazil. The Subtropical Rain Forest is altered in Santa Catarina regarding its composition and structure. Thus, the studies that focus on these forest remnants are important because they can consist as a basis for meta-analysis. In this work research we intend to characterize the composition and structure of a Subtropical Rain Forest stand and compare the species composition of this stand with others in the same forest type. The vegetation was sampled through 25 sample plots of 400 m², where individuals with DBH ≥ 5 cm were measured. We sampled 1,727 individuals belonging to 144 species, 91 genus and 45 families. Myrtaceae, Lauraceae and Fabaceae were the richest families, especially the Ocotea, Eugenia and Myrcia genus. The species with the highest importance percentual were Euterpe edulis Mart., Sloanea guianensis (Aubl.) Benth., Ocotea aciphylla (Nees & Mart.) Mez, Tapirira guianensis Aubl. We detected two floristic groups formed due to geographical proximity; the first was formed by studies conducted in the southern region and the second by studies conducted in the Itajaí Valley. Our results indicated that the studied forest stand is composed primarily of shade-tolerant climax species and can be characterized as a well-preserved forest remnant. The results indicate the importance of this area for conservation.Keywords: Composition; structure; ecological groups; similarity; Itajaí Valley.

scholarly journals Floristic and Forest Inventory of Santa Catarina: species of evergreen rainforest

Rodriguésia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 807-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Luís de Gasper ◽  
Alexandre Uhlmann ◽  
Lucia Sevegnani ◽  
Leila Meyer ◽  
Débora Vanessa Lingner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Forest Inventory ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Araucaria Angustifolia ◽  
Santa Catarina ◽  
Floristic Survey ◽  
Euterpe Edulis ◽  
Brazilian Flora

This study presents the list of species of Evergreen Rainforest in Santa Catarina, based on 202 sample units established by the Floristic and Forest Inventory of Santa Catarina, in order to study the tree/shrub component and regeneration in addition to a floristic survey outside the sample units. We recorded 1,473 species: three gymnosperms and 1,470 angiosperms, that totalize 19% of all species quoted for this Brazilian forest type. The most species-rich families were Orchidaceae (143 species), Myrtaceae (142), Asteraceae (98), Melastomataceae (86), Fabaceae (78), Rubiaceae (65), Solanaceae (61), Bromeliaceae (57), Piperaceae (56), and Lauraceae (52). Among them are eight species listed in the Official List of Endangered Species of the Brazilian Flora: Aechmea blumenavii, Araucaria angustifolia, Billbergia alfonsijoannis, Euterpe edulis, Heliconia farinosa, Ocotea catharinensis, O. odorifera and, O. porosa.

scholarly journals The influence of composition and structure parent tree stand on state of vitality spruce undergrowth of different phenological forms

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
А.С. Матвеева ◽  
Н.В. Беляева ◽  
Д.А. Данилов
Keyword(s):  
Forest Type ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Forest Stand ◽  
Middle Taiga ◽  
Leningrad Region ◽  
Tree Stand ◽  
Growing Stock ◽  
Parent Tree ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Structure Parent

В статье рассматривается зависимость состояния жизнеспособности молодого поколения ели разных фенологических форм от состава и строения материнского полога древостоя. Анализ проводился в зеленомошной группе типов леса в условиях Ленинградской области. Целью данной работы было выявить особенности взаимосвязи между материнским пологом древостоя, распределением естественного возобновления ели по фенологическим формам и его состоянием жизнеспособности в регионе исследования. Дисперсионный анализ влияния фактора материнского древостоя на количество жизнеспособного подроста ели подтвердил значимость этого фактора. При увеличении доли ели в составе материнского древостоя, с увеличением относительной полноты древостоя, его возраста и запаса уменьшается доля жизнеспособного подроста ели ранораспускающейся и переходной фенологических форм. При этом доля нежизнеспособного подроста этих форм увеличивается, как и доля позднораспускающейся формы независимо от состояния жизнеспособности. Эта закономерность позволяет сделать вывод, что на состояние жизнеспособности молодого поколения ели, а также на его распределение по фенологическим формам значительно влияет степень освещенности под пологом древостоя. Анализ состояния подроста ели в зависимости от типа леса показал, что с уменьшением почвенного плодородия и влажности доля жизнеспособного подроста ранней и переходной форм уменьшается, а доля поздней – увеличивается. При этом доля нежизнеспособного подроста всех фенологических форм увеличивается. Из этого можно сделать заключение, что на состояние жизнеспособности подроста ели разных фенологических форм влияет не только освещенность под пологом древостоя, но и плодородие почвы, его физические и химические свойства. Анализ влияния этого фактора статистически подтвердился. В результате про- ведённых исследований можно сделать вывод, о том, что в условиях средней тайги такие факторы, как тип леса и состав древостоя в большей степени влияют на состояние жизнеспособности подроста ели разных фенологических форм. This article presents the dependence of state of vitality spruce undergrowth of different phenological forms from composition and structure parent tree stand. The analysis was carried out in pleurocarpous moss group of forest type in Leningrad region. The aim of this study was to identify the features of the relationship between parent tree stand, proportion of phenological forms spruce undergrowth and his state of vtality in the study area. Analysis of variance for the influence of the parent stand on the number of viable young growth of spruce confirmed the importance of this factor. With increasing participation spruce in forest stand composition, with increasing relative density forest stand, his age and growing stock participation viable undergrowth early blooming and intergrade forms are decreasing. Therewith quantity inviable undergrowth these forms and participation late blooming form both viable and inviable are increasing. This regularity allows to make a conclusion that luminance under tree stand canopy is influencing on a state of vitality spruce undergrowth and his proportion of phenological forms. The analysis of state of vitality spruce undergrowth depending on forest type revealed that with decreasing of soil fertility and moisture the participation viable undergrowth early blooming and intergrade forms are decreasing and the participation late blooming form is increasing. Therewith participation inviable spruce undergrowth all phenological forms are increasing. From which it follows that on state of vitality spruce undergrowth of different phenological forms influences not only luminance under stand canopy but also fertility of soil, his physical and chemical properties. Analysis of the influence of this factor is statistically confirmed. As a result of undertake a study inference should be drawn that in middle taiga such factors as forest type and parent stand composition more influences on a state of vitality of different phenological forms spruce undergrowth.

scholarly journals Structure of Undergrowth of Spruce in Different Phenological Forms on Height Depending on the Composition and Structure of Forest Stand

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-129
Author(s):  
Антонина Матвеева ◽  
Antonina Matveeva ◽  
Наталия Беляева ◽  
Nataliia Beliaeva ◽  
Дмитрий Данилов ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Forest Stand ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Middle Taiga ◽  
Leningrad Region ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Composition And Structure

The article deals with the interrelation of forest canopy of trees and high-rise structures of spruce undergrowth of different phenological forms in pleurocarpous moss group of forest type in conditions of Leningrad region. The analysis of high-rise structures of different phenological forms depending on the composition and structure of forest in the most represented types of forests in Leningrad region is made. For further insights on the role of composition and structure of forest stand as factors determining high-rise structure of different phenological forms of undergrowth of spruce, analysis of variance was conducted. Decrease in the share of large height spruce undergrowth of all phenological forms in the increase of participation of spruce in the growing stock, with increasing elative completeness of forest stand, its age and stock, allowed to conclude that the structure of natural regeneration of spruce on height is affected by the degree of illumination under the canopy of forest stand. Analysis of altitudinal structure of spruce undergrowth in different phenological forms in height, depending on forest type showed that proportion of the undergrowth of all phenological forms is higher in dry forest types than in wet forest. From this we can conclude that high-rise structure of spruce undergrowth in different phenological forms is influenced not only by illuminance under the canopy of the forest, but also fertility of soil, its physical and chemical properties. Conducted analysis of variance confirmed statistically significant dependence of this factor. As a result of conducted research it can be concluded, that in conditions of middle taiga of all biocenotic factors factors, forest type and composition of stands have greater influence on high-rise structure of phenological forms of spruce undergrowth.

The Bionomics and Importance ofGlossina Longipalpis, Wied., in the Gold Coast

1934 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. R. S. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Rain Forest ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Gold Coast ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Mammalian Fauna ◽  
High Positive Correlation ◽  
Game Animals

SummaryA detailed study of the bionomics ofGlossina longipalpis, Wied., was undertaken at Takoradi, the principal port of the Gold Coast in West Africa, and lasted from February to September 1931.The topography of this country is undulating; the vegetation is of Transition Forest type, intermediate in character between Rain Forest and Savannah Forest, and of an exceedingly dense, homogeneous nature, with a few small glades in the forest, and interrupted by large open marshes on the lower and flatter ground.The climate is remarkably equable, with a low mean annual rainfall between 40 and 45 inches, but constantly high humidities, owing to the moisture-laden sea-winds. There is a double rainy season, the main rains from April to July, and a second shorter period of rainfall in October and November.There is a rich mammalian fauna, with the exception of the larger game animals.Three species ofGlossinaoccur:G. longipalpis, Wied., the commonest, evenly distributed throughout the bush, and the only species dealt with in this paper;G. palpalis, R.-D., confined to water-courses and the edges of lagoons; andG. medicorum, Aust., rarely met with.Two isolated fly-belts, identical in every way, were studied. In one, section A, flies were caught and killed daily; in the other, section B, the control area, the flies were liberated after noting the catches. By September, the tsetse population of A had been reduced to less than one-third of that of B, presumably the effects of catching and killing.The main food hosts of this species were the bushbuck and duiker, ubiquitous in this forest. When these small game animals were driven out of a third fly-belt, section C, by farming and wood-cutting, the fly quickly and completely disappeared. This species was never found to feed on reptiles, although they were common in the fly-belts.Meteorological observations in the open country and in the fly-belts showed a consistently lower temperature and higher humidity in the latter, as well as its greater equity in these factors. The movement of the fly into the open was apparently governed by humidity, the greatest movement taking place when the humidity of the open was within the normal range of fly-belt humidity.By statistical methods, coefficients of correlation were determined for the fly's density-activity and various climatic factors of the fly-belt. The fly showed a high positive correlation with temperature, and a lower correlation with humidity, of which saturation deficit was a better index than atmometer evaporation. There was a significant correlation with sunshine, but none with rainfall. This correlation with humidity was mainly a temperature effect, as was also the correlation with sunshine. Temperature was evidently of major importance. There was a significant negative correlation between fly and relative humidity, measured with a wet and dry bulb hygrometer in a screen in the open.All correlations were greatest when considered direct, the fly catches with simultaneous climatic readings, indicating that these factors influence the activity of the fly in this way, rather than its density. The fly was found to be inactive at temperatures below 74°F., with high humidities of 80 or 90 per cent. or over. This explains the major influence of temperature, shown by the methods of correlations. The temperature range in the fly-belt, during the period of observations, was close to the temperature significant for the fly's activity, and therefore variations produced marked reactions; the humidity range was much closer to the fly's optimum and therefore better tolerated.There is marked daily rhythm in the fly's activity, which is only influenced by climate under extremely unfavourable conditions of temperature or humidity.The distribution ofG. longipalpisin the Gold Coast is dependent upon the humidity of the ecoclimate, rather than upon temperature. It occurs in three main vegetational types—Transition Forest, Inland Savannah Forest, and Coastal Savannah— where the range of humidities is between 50 and 80 per cent. R.H., and temperature between 75° and 85°F. It does not occur in the Rain Forest, where the relative humidity is constantly above 80 per cent., or in northern Savannah, where the humidity is as low as 30 per cent, in the dry season.The main breeding season was from March to July with its maximum in May, at the height of the rains.This species was found infected withTrypanosoma gambiense,T. congolense, andT. vivaxat Takoradi, and is probably second in importance toG. palpalisas a vector of sleeping sickness in the Gold Coast, but at present of less importance thanG. palpalisorG. tachinoidesin the transmission of trypanosomiasis of stock.The receding of the Ashanti forest and the present development of the Colony may cause even greater contact between this species of tsetse and man. The main policy for control should lie in improving and controlling the natives' methods of cultivating the bush. Farms should be as close to the village as possible, contiguous, and kept under cultivation, if possible, permanently. Clearings should be made of at least 100 yards width round bush villages, and of at least 200 yards width round important towns. Small clearings and isolated farms are considered a danger.

A new Brazilian species of Stenochironomus Kieffer mining decayed leaves in bromeliads (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 1046 (1) ◽  
pp. 37 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUIZ CARLOS DE PINHO ◽  
HUMBERTO FONSECA MENDES ◽  
CARLOS BRISOLA MARCONDES
Keyword(s):  
Rain Forest ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Atlantic Rain Forest ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Conservation Unit ◽  
Santa Catarina ◽  
Brazilian Species

All life stages of Stenochironomus atlanticus Pinho & Mendes sp. n. are described and figured. The larva mines decaying leaves held in the water of several bromeliad species (Canistrum lindenii (Regel) Mez, Neoregelia laevis (Mez) L.B. Smith, Nidularium innocentii Lemaire, Vriesea philippocoburgii Wawra, and Vriesea vagans (L.B. Smith) L.B. Smith.) in the Atlantic Rain Forest in southern Brazil [Desterro Environmental Conservation Unit (Unidade de Conservação Ambiental Desterro – UCAD), Santa Catarina Island]. Stenochironomus atlanticus is the only species in the genus found in the phytotelmata habitat, and it apparently is restricted to this environment.

scholarly journals FLORISTIC, STRUCTURE AND ECOLOGICAL GROUPS OF A TREE COMMUNITY IN THE ATLANTIC RAINFOREST AT SERRA DO MAR, SP, BRAZIL

Nativa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 706
Author(s):  
Vitor De Andrade Kamimura ◽  
Rodrigo Ferreira Morais ◽  
Carlos Alfredo Joly ◽  
Marco Antonio Assis
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Atlantic Rainforest ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
Serra Do Mar ◽  
Palm Trees ◽  
Dispersal Syndromes ◽  
Tree Community ◽  
Euterpe Edulis

FLORÍSTICA, ESTRUTURA E GRUPOS ECOLÓGICOS DE UMA COMUNIDADE ARBÓREA NA FLORESTA ATLÂNTICA, SERRA DO MAR, SP, BRASIL Neste trabalho, avaliamos a composição florística e estrutural de uma comunidade arbórea em um contínuo da Floresta Atlântica das Terras Baixas no sudeste brasileiro, acessando a distribuição das espécies entre grupos ecológicos. Para tanto, foram amostrados todos os indivíduos arbóreos com PAP≥15 cm, incluindo palmeiras e samambaias arborescentes, em um hectare, dividido em sub-parcelas de 10x10 m. A comunidade foi analisada por meio do índice de diversidade de Shannon e equabilidade de Pielou, e distribuição de suas espécies entre síndromes de dispersão e classes sucessionais. Registramos 1.120 indivíduos vivos distribuídos em 133 espécies de 41 famílias. As famílias mais ricas em espécies foram Myrtaceae (32 espécies), Fabaceae (12) e Rubiaceae (11), e Euterpe edulis a espécie mais abundante (11,1% do total). Na área de estudo, foram encontradas quatro espécies na lista espécies ameaçadas do Livro Vermelho da Flora do Brasil, e registrada uma dominância de espécies Zoocóricas (86,7% das espécies classificadas) e Não Pioneiras (73,5%). Os resultados gerais da estrutura e composição de espécies da comunidade foram similares à de outros levantamentos realizados na mesma região deste estudo. Por fim, nossos resultados corroboram a grande diversidade arbórea e uma dominância de espécies Zoocóricas e Não-Pioneiras em contínuos de Floresta Atlântica.Palavras-chave: classe sucessional, floresta ombrófila densa, diversidade, síndrome de dispersão. ABSTRACT:The present study evaluated the floristic and structural composition of a tree community in a Lowland Atlantic Rainforest along a forest continuum in Brazilian southeast, assessing the species distribution among ecological groups. For this purpose, we sampled all trees with PBH≥15 cm, including palm trees and tree ferns, in a total area of one hectare, divided into subplots of 10x10 m. The studied community was also analyzed through the Shannon diversity index and Pielou equability, and its species distribution among dispersal syndromes and successional classes. We recorded 1,120 living individuals distributed in 131 species of 40 families. The richest families were Myrtaceae (32 species), Fabaceae (12) and Rubiaceae (11), and Euterpe edulis was the most abundant species (11.1% of the total). In the study area, there were found four species on the Livro Vermelho da Flora do Brasil and recorded a dominance of zoochoric species (86.7% of species classified) and non-pioneers (71.6%). The general results of the community structure and species composition were similar with other surveys carried out in the same region of this study. Finally, our results corroborate the great diversity of trees and a dominance of zoochoric and non-pioneer species in the Atlantic Rainforest continuous.Keywords: dispersal syndromes, diversity, ombrophilous dense forest, successional groups.

Landscape-Scale Environmental and Floristic Variation in Costa Rican Old-Growth Rain Forest Remnants

Biotropica ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven E. Sesnie ◽  
Bryan Finegan ◽  
Paul E. Gessler ◽  
Zayra Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Rain Forest ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Costa Rican ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Forest Remnants ◽  
Floristic Variation

Three new species of Holoscolex (Clitellata, Glossoscolecidae) from the Gurupi Biological Reserve, last forest remnant of the Belém Endemism Area, Eastern Amazon

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4496 (1) ◽  
pp. 459
Author(s):  
LUIS MANUEL HERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA ◽  
JESÚS ENRIQUE BURGOS-GUERRERO ◽  
BIANCA TAMIRES SILVA DOS SANTOS ◽  
GUILLAUME XAVIER ROUSSEAU ◽  
SAMUEL WOOSTER JAMES
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Transitional Stage ◽  
Brazilian Amazonia ◽  
Continuous Forest ◽  
Forest Remnant ◽  
Forest Remnants ◽  
Indigenous Territories ◽  
Three New Species ◽  
Biological Reserve

We describe three new species of the earthworm genus Holoscolex from the Gurupi Biological Reserve in Maranhão state, Brazil. The Reserve, with the Indigenous Territories Awá, Caru, Alto Turiaçu and Alto Rio Guamá represent the last continuous forest remnants of the Belém Endemism Area, the most deforested and threatened area of Brazilian Amazonia. Holoscolex dossantosi sp. nov. has tubercula pubertatis looking like double bands, Holoscolex alatus sp. nov. presents alate tubercula pubertatis, and Holoscolex fernandoi sp. nov. has testis sacs and several intraclitellar atrial glands associated with genital markings between XIX and XXII. The presence of these unusual characters in Holoscolex fernandoi sp. nov. suggests that this species could be an evolutionary transitional stage linking Eudrilidae and more recent Glossoscolecidae genera.

scholarly journals Genera of Belytinae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) recorded in the Atlantic Dense Ombrophilous Forest from Paraíba to Santa Catarina, Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Alex Leite Quadros ◽  
Carlos Roberto F. Brandão
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Rain Forest ◽  
Latitudinal Gradient ◽  
Parasitoid Wasps ◽  
Santa Catarina ◽  
Specific Level ◽  
Natural Regulation ◽  
Ombrophilous Forest ◽  
Dense Ombrophilous Forest ◽  
Malaise Traps

The parasitoid wasps Belytinae (Hymenoptera: Diaprioidea: Diapriidae) recorded thus far in the Atlantic Dense Ombrophilous Forest are reviewed at the supra specific level. The knowledge about the diversity of Belytinae in the Atlantic Forest is relatively poor, although these parasitoids may play a key role in the natural regulation of populations of the Mycetophilidae and Sciaridae (Diptera). The material used in this study comes mostly from standardized collections in 18 regularly spaced sites, from Paraíba to Santa Catarina Brazilian states, between 2000 and 2002, by the project “Richness and diversity of Hymenoptera and Isoptera along a latitudinal gradient in the Atlantic Forest – the eastern Brazilian rain forest” (Biota/SP – FAPESP). At each location ten Malaise traps and a hundred Moericke traps were installed, both along two parallel transects spaced 100 m from each other. Further, a similar effort for the sweeping of vegetation was applied at each locality, being each sweeping sample the result of 5 minutes of sweeping. Traps, and sweeping of vegetation in the summed localities yielded a total of 1,241 Belytinae specimens, of which we recognize 115 morphospecies in eight genera (Aclista, Belyta, Cinetus, Odontopsilus, Scorpioteleia, Lyteba, Tropidopsilus and Camptopsilus). A further belytine genus (Miota), recorded in similar environment, was found at the collection of the Federal University of Espírito Santo and added to the list, totalling nine here keyed genera; for each genus we include a diagnosis, comments and a discussion on its records, distribution and biology; we also provide twenty-two plates with 102 figures (93 photographs and 9 maps).

scholarly journals Influences of Forest Type, Stand Age, and Weather on Deer Weights and Antler Size in the Southern Appalachians

1997 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
William M. Ford ◽  
A. Sydney Johnson ◽  
Philip E. Hale ◽  
James M. Wentworth
Keyword(s):  
Age Structure ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Forest Stand ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Southern Appalachians ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Pinus Spp ◽  
Percent Area

Abstract We analyzed correlations of forest type, age structure, and site index data with weights and antler characteristics of yearling white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) bucks from specific localities in the Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Nantahala, and Pisgah national forests in Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Areas in the northern part of the study region produced larger deer with larger antlers than those in the southern portion of the region. These northern areas differed from those to the south in having more diverse ownership and land use and in origins of deer stock. Weights and antler characteristics were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with percent area in the cove hardwood type, but otherwise were poorly correlated with forest stand type and site index. Percent area in young (0-8 yr old) cove hardwood and in mid-successional (9-20 and 21-40) cove hardwood, pine (Pinus spp.), and upland oak (Quercus spp.) were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with deer variables, particularly in years following a poor mast crop. Much of the quantifiable habitat influences on deer in the Southern Appalachians probably is masked by low deer densities and the small site quality differences among areas examined. Because much of the forest consists of mature mast-producing oaks and abundant forage is produced in both mature and younger aged stands, deer numbers seem to be below any threshold of quantifiable effects due to forest stand age structure. South. J. Appl. For. 21(1):11-18.

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