ScienceDaily (Oct. 24, 2012) — The
wood that remains after a tree harvesting operation is often burned to reduce
the hazard of fire or is removed for bioenergy production. But another option
should be considered -- leaving the wood for forest wildlife whose habitat has
been disturbed during clear-cut forestry operations. Woody debris on the floor
of the forest is essential for maintaining biodiversity and long-term ecosystem
productivity.
The Journal of
Mammalogy presents a study of coarse woody debris left behind from
forestry and salvage harvesting of wood. Researchers tested the abundance and
species diversity of small forest-floor mammals under varying wood conditions:
dispersed wood debris, piles of wood debris, windrows of wood debris, and uncut
mature forest.
Clear-cutting remains the
dominant method of forestry in North America and northern Europe. This process
can interrupt the ecology of the forest. Small mammals that offer prey for
predators, consume plants and invertebrates, and disperse fungal spores may
disappear.
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