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1 October 2006 WILDLIFE USE OF DOUGLAS-FIR DWARF MISTLETOE WITCHES' BROOMS IN THE SOUTHWEST
Shaula J. Hedwall, Robert L. Mathiasen
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Abstract

We evaluated wildlife use of witches' brooms associated with infection by Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium douglasii) in 6 mixed-conifer study areas in Arizona and 2 areas in New Mexico. We climbed 153 infected Douglas-firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and examined 706 witches' brooms for evidence of wildlife use. Even though we observed evidence of use by birds, most wildlife use was by small mammals, particularly red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). Red squirrels used witches' brooms for nesting, foraging, caching, and as latrines. Witches' brooms classified as Type II or III brooms, located close to the main bole with large platforms, and 5–10 m above the ground were the most frequently used by red squirrels.

Shaula J. Hedwall and Robert L. Mathiasen "WILDLIFE USE OF DOUGLAS-FIR DWARF MISTLETOE WITCHES' BROOMS IN THE SOUTHWEST," Western North American Naturalist 66(4), 450-455, (1 October 2006). https://doi.org/10.3398/1527-0904(2006)66[450:WUODDM]2.0.CO;2
Received: 8 September 2005; Accepted: 1 March 2006; Published: 1 October 2006
KEYWORDS
Arceuthobium douglasii
Douglas-fir
Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe
Pseudotsuga menziesii
red squirrel
southwest
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
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