| Footprints of a Siberian tiger captured in snow on the forest floor
G.D. Hayward |
| |
| Investigators |
| Dr. Gregory D. Hayward, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming
Dr. David McDonald, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming
Dr. Dale Miquelle, Hornocker Wildlife Research Institute
|
What is the Issue? |
| THE EFFECT OF TIMBER HARVESTING PRACTICES ON SUBALPINE VERTEBRATE POPULATIONS |
|
Forest management, especially timber harvesting and grazing, significantly alters the structure and composition of forests. The world's subalpine forests are habitat for a number of important and diverse species, some of which are now endangered. Timber harvesting can lead to a cascade of effects which affect herbivores and top carnivores. It is crucial that a full understanding of the response of forest vertebrates to disturbance is achieved, as many small forest mammals, such as red-backed voles and wild boars, form a critical link in the food chain which supports larger carnivores. Conservation programs for forest predators require sophisticated management of key prey populations. This research aims to determine the relationship between species abundance and forest disturbance. Using data collected from the Rocky Mountains and the Sikhote-Alikn mountains of the Russian Far East, scientists will develop the necessary knowledge to maintain functioning populations of vertebrates in managed subalpine forests.
|
What is our goal? |
| DETERMINE THE IMPACTS OF TIMBER HARVESTING ON WILDLIFE POPULATIONS.
|
Where we currently stand. |
| This study encompasses the investigation of three separate vertebrate species. Work on boreal owl and red-backed vole populations is continuing from previous seasons and data collected will be analyzed, with results being published in peer-reviewed journals. Fieldwork is continuing on boreal owl populations through 2000/2001. Outcomes from this data analysis will aid both forest and small mammal management programs. An extensive dataset which has been collected on the Siberian wild boar of the Russian Far East will be analyzed with an emphasis on examining the relationship between wild boar abundance and forest conditions. Results from this analysis will provide managers with further knowledge of better forest and wildlife management practices. It is expected that this analysis will be completed by December, 2001.
|
You can help this project - find out how. |
|
