Thresholds in response by cavity-nesting bird populations to variations in the snag resource are poorly understood. In addition, limited information exists on the value of artificially created snags for cavitynesting birds. Therefore, uncertainty exists in whether artificially created snags can yield a positive population response among snag-dependent birds. We used an experimental approach to ...

This publication provides information about prescribed fire effects on habitats and populations of birds of the interior West and a synthesis of existing information on bird responses to fire across North America. Our literature synthesis indicated that aerial, ground, and bark insectivores favored recently burned habitats, whereas foliage gleaners preferred unburned habitats. Cavity-nesting bi...

We examined current and possible future aspen stand dynamics and cavity-nesting bird abundances for Yellowstone’s northern ungulate winter range. Our measurements suggest aspen stands located within Yellowstone National Park (YNP) are in a different condition than those located in the Gallatin National Forest (GNF), immediately outside the park. Stands inside YNP were composed of more snags and...

Changes in vegetation structure and composition affect habitat for wildlife. Species such as small mammals that are restricted to small home ranges and are relatively immobile may be most affected since it is more difficult to find and move to new habitat. In the southwestern United States, forest management treatments (thinning and prescribed burning) are being implemented to alter structure a...

—We compared roost site characteristics of the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and northern bat (M. septentrionalis), which form maternity colonies in cavities and beneath bark of dead (snags) and living trees in eastern North American forests. We used published data (n 5 28 sources; n 5 1145 roost trees) from studies completed where the distributions of the two species overlap and evaluated a sui...

Dead wood, in the form of coarse woody debris and standing dead wood, or snags, is an essential structural component of forest ecosystems. It plays a key role in nutrient cycling, ecosystem functions and provision of habitat for a wide variety of species. In order to manage dead wood in a temperate hardwood forest, an understanding of its availability and spatial distribution is important. This...