Small mammal response to group selection silvicultural systems in Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir forests

Authors

  • Michaela J. Waterhouse
  • R. Bruce Catton
  • Harold M. Armleder

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22230/jem.2004v3n2a268

Keywords:

small mammals, southern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi), common shrew (Sorex cinereus), dusky shrew (Sorex monticolus), group selection silvicultural systems, Engelmann Spruce�Subalpine Fir zone, Michaela J. Waterhouse, R. Bruce Catton, Harold M. Armleder

Abstract

We measured small mammal response to several different group selection silvicultural systems that varied by opening size (0.03, 0.13, and 1.0 ha) but maintained a consistent 30% area removal. The southern redbacked vole (Clethrionomys gapperi), followed by the common shrew (Sorex cinereus) and dusky shrew (S. monticolus), were the most abundant species pre- and post-harvest. There was no evidence that the minimum number alive estimates for red-backed voles differed significantly (α = 0.05) among treatments pre-harvest (ρ = 0.67) or post-harvest (1993, ρ = 0.98; 1994, ρ = 0.84). However, red-backed voles used harvested openings less than the surrounding forest within each treatment. Common shrews showed some preference for the unlogged controls and the treatment units containing 1.0-ha openings. Dusky shrews showed no treatment preference. Overall, we conclude that the group selection silvicultural systems did not substantially change the relatively rich, abundant small mammal community present before harvesting.

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Published

2004-03-24

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Section

Articles