How to translate text using browser tools
1 February 2008 Preburn Characteristics and Woodpecker Use of Burned Coniferous Forests
Kerri T. Vierling, Leigh B. Lentile, Nicole Nielsen-Pincus
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Large wildfires are common in many western coniferous forests, and these fires can affect woodpecker reproduction and habitat use. Our objectives were to examine nesting densities, reproductive parameters, and species-specific habitat selection of woodpeckers in a recently burned region of the Black Hills in South Dakota, USA, between 2001 and 2004. Postfire nesting densities were greatest in areas dominated by high prefire canopy cover, and reproductive success averaged >70%. For some species of woodpeckers, factors such as diameter at breast height, burn severity, and distance to unburned patches were important for nest-site selection. Our data indicated that nesting densities of many woodpeckers in the Black Hills were lower than what has been recorded elsewhere following recent, large wildfires in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests. Management activities that simulate mixed-severity fire effects and retain higher numbers of large snags are likely to benefit cavity nesters in this region.

Kerri T. Vierling, Leigh B. Lentile, and Nicole Nielsen-Pincus "Preburn Characteristics and Woodpecker Use of Burned Coniferous Forests," Journal of Wildlife Management 72(2), 422-427, (1 February 2008). https://doi.org/10.2193/2006-212
Published: 1 February 2008
JOURNAL ARTICLE
6 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
Black Hills
burn severity
Colaptes
density
Melanerpes
nest-site selection
Picoides
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top