Bird Response to Clear Cutting in Missouri Ozark Forests |
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Authors: | MICHAEL J WALLENDORF PAUL A PORNELUZI WENDY K GRAM RICHARD L CLAWSON JOHN FAABORG |
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Institution: | 1. Division of Science Math and Computer Science, Central Methodist University, Fayette, MO 65248, USA;2. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, University of Oklahoma, 2401 Chautauqua Avenue, Norman, OK 73072-1029, USA;3. Missouri Department of Conservation, 1110 S. College Avenue, Columbia, MO 65201, USA;4. Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA |
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Abstract: | Abstract: We evaluated changes in breeding bird density and shifts in territory distribution with respect to clear cutting and timber stand improvement (TSI) of even-aged stands on >300 ha experimental management units as part of the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project. After one harvest entry, clear cutting had positive effects on density of indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), and yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens) and negative effects on density of Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), and worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus). In buffer regions within 100 m of clearcuts, indigo bunting, hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), wood thrush (Hylocichila mustelina), and Kentucky warbler (Oporornis formosus) densities increased and ovenbird density decreased. Breeding bird densities did not change in interior regions > 100 m from clearcuts except for a small increase for wood thrush. Breeding Acadian flycatcher and ovenbird showed greater use of stands not treated with TSI. We recommend combining adjoining stands to keep clearcut sizes between 8 ha and 13 ha to reduce negative effects on ovenbirds by cutting. We suggest a 7-year offset between the timing of clear cutting and TSI to reduce their combined effects on ovenbird. |
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Keywords: | breeding birds clearcut early successional birds even-aged forest management mature forest-dwelling birds Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project timber stand improvement |
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