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

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.