Article
Forestry
Dejan Stojanovic, Laura Rayner, Mclean Cobden, Chris Davey, Stuart Harris, Robert Heinsohn, Giselle Owens, Adrian D. Manning
Summary: The superb parrots are selective in choosing nesting trees and cavities, preferring deeper, wider, and larger entrance cavities. Suitable cavities for them are very scarce, which may limit the population growth and recovery of superb parrots.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Kathryn L. Purcell, Eric L. McGregor
Summary: White-headed woodpeckers prefer and nest more successfully in higher elevation true fir forests. Congruence exists between habitat preferences and nest survival, particularly at the landscape scale, indicating adaptive selection. However, at the nest site scale, they may exhibit maladaptive habitat selection.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Edmund J. Zlonis, Ram Deo, James B. Berdeen
Summary: This study successfully predicted the locations of suitable nesting cavities for Wood Ducks by using a combination of LiDAR, multispectral imagery, and SAR remote sensing data, providing important insights for conservation actions for cavity-nesting wildlife.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ornithology
Walter D. Koenig, Eve M. Hallock, David J. Weber, Eric L. Walters
Summary: For Acorn Woodpeckers, reuse of nest cavities is primarily driven by constraints such as the survival of existing cavities, rather than fitness consequences. The energetic costs and time required for excavating new cavities may be the main limiting factors for both cavity reuse and new cavity construction. These constraints play a significant role in determining the frequency of cavity reuse among facultative excavating species.
Article
Forestry
Alejandro A. Schaaf, Cecilia G. Garcia, Roman A. Ruggera, Ever Tallei, Constanza G. Vivanco, Luis Rivera, Natalia Politi
Summary: Logging affects nest density and nesting microsite characteristics of cavity-nesting birds, but no evidence of reduced nest success at logged sites was found in the study. The study suggests the need for forest management actions to increase nesting sites for cavity-nesting birds.
Article
Ecology
Melissa A. Boyd, Logan T. Berner, Adrianna C. Foster, Scott J. Goetz, Brendan M. Rogers, Xanthe J. Walker, Michelle C. Mack
Summary: Climate change-induced droughts and insect outbreaks are causing more frequent and widespread forest mortality. A historic drought triggered a multi-decadal growth decline in trembling aspen, predisposing them to mortality during a leaf miner outbreak. This suggests that as the climate warms and insect outbreaks increase, we can expect persistent declines in tree growth and increased mortality.
Article
Plant Sciences
David Hohl, Teodora Stoycheva, R. Julia Kilgour, Elsa C. Anderson, Jalene M. LaMontagne
Summary: In urban ecosystems, tree cavities are influenced by tree health, management, and cavity excavators, and their formation and persistence are affected by changes in vegetation structure, human use patterns, and the built environment. Highly-managed parks and residential habitats have lower abundance of decayed trees and therefore fewer cavities compared to forests, while stability of cavity abundance over time is observed in managed habitats. The probability of cavity presence is increased with larger tree size and higher levels of tree decay, but this association varies between habitat types and years.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Dan Parker, Stanislav Roudavski, Theresa M. Jones, Nick Bradsworth, Bronwyn Isaac, Martin T. Lockett, Kylie Soanes
Summary: This article introduces a new design method to improve artificial habitat structures for cavity-dependent animals using computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques. By using generative and parametric modeling, 3D printing and augmented-reality assembly, as well as laser scanning and data-driven design, this approach can create geometrically innovative designs, select materials that match the performance of natural structures, and produce precise and easy-to-install designs.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Augustin Niringiyimana, Alphonse Nzarora, Jean Claude Twahirwa, Yntze van der Hoek
Summary: In this study, the cavity availability in the high elevation Afromontane forest ecosystems of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda was investigated. The results showed that cavity density, cavity-bearing tree characteristics, the relative importance of fungal decay and excavators, cavity substrates, cavity entrance orientation, and cavity density variation with elevation were all factors related to cavity availability.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Jeffrey R. Walters
Summary: This study provides compelling empirical evidence that cavities created by woodpeckers specifically limit populations of hole-nesting bird species. The findings are significant for understanding the availability of cavities in avian community ecology.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Nayden Chakarov, Jesus Veiga, Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo, Francisco Valera
Summary: The study found that only one species of black fly entered the nests of European rollers, with some carrying DNA from the rollers and 15% carrying Leucocytozoon lineages, indicating previous feeding on avian hosts. This suggests that black flies do not have a strong host preference, and their feeding behavior may play a role in the transmission and evolution of avian blood parasites.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Jared A. Elmore, Matthew R. Fullerton, Dillon T. Fogarty, Scott R. Loss
Summary: A study conducted in Arkansas, USA, found that Red-cockaded Woodpeckers did not consider airflow conditions when selecting cavity locations for their nests, suggesting that factors such as vegetation cover, forest structure, and tree characteristics may play a more important role in providing visual concealment or optimal foraging conditions.
WILSON JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Matteo Garbelotto, Michael G. Johnson
Summary: The difficulty in adopting ideal sampling schemes and fungal identification approaches in studies of fungal communities in wood at variable stages of decay is explained by the presence of unculturable fungi, variability in timing and frequency of fungal fruiting, hyper-rich fungal communities, and genetic and environmental variability. The study shows the presence of a hyper-rich wood fungal community that varies depending on PCR primers, tree species, tree stem portion and wood decay stage. The use of two different primer sets greatly increases the power of the metabarcoding analysis, and a model considering the position on the stem and distance from the cavity can be used to design optimal sampling schemes for describing fungal communities in trees experiencing discrete decay pockets or cavities.
Review
Forestry
Maarja Korkjas, Liina Remm, Asko Lohmus
Summary: The development of tree microhabitats is closely related to tree growth rate and age, and has significant impacts on conservation, forestry management, and public safety. Different types of microhabitats require unique management approaches to retain the natural environment.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jason Riggio, Andrew Engilis Jr, Hanika Cook, Evelien De Greef, Daniel S. Karp, Melanie L. Truan
Summary: This study examined the impacts of habitat use and weather on the reproduction of cavity-nesting songbirds in California's Central Valley. The results showed that the selection of nest sites was influenced by habitat variables, and reproductive success and nestling weight were highest in selected habitats. Higher maximum nesting season temperatures had negative effects on clutch size, reproductive success, and nestling weight for all species. The effects of precipitation varied by species and timing. Overall, this study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring to understand the impacts of global change on fitness.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Sadadi Ojoatre, Jos Barlow, Suzanne R. Jacobs, Mariana C. Rufino
Summary: This study evaluates the changes in a forest complex in Kenya and finds that within 20 years of disturbance, there is rapid recovery of aboveground biomass and carbon accumulation, and the species diversity remains high in these previously disturbed fragments.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Astor Torano Caicoya, Peter Biber, Miren del Rio, Ricardo Ruiz-Peinado, Catia Arcangeli, Robert Matthews, Hans Pretzsch
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of site and climate on the self-thinning line in Scots pine forests in Europe. The results showed that species tolerance, temperature, and precipitation influenced the slope of the self-thinning line. In terms of the intercept, latitude and radiation had compensating effects. Time did not show significant trends in the self-thinning line. The study highlights the need to adapt management strategies and models based on self-thinning to different latitudes. Climate change has not yet significantly impacted the self-thinning trajectory, but a continuous rise in temperature and high precipitation may accelerate the self-thinning process and result in increased biomass accumulation.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Haonan Zhang, Jianing Xu, Weiqi Meng, Zhonglin Li, Yanyan Ni, Weijie Li, Hao Chen, Xingshuo Zhang, Huanhuan Yuan, Zhi Wang
Summary: Secondary forests play a crucial role in ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity recovery. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying secondary succession in a restored secondary forest and found that deciduous tree species transition from diversity accumulators to repellents as they progress through different life history stages, while evergreen tree species can act as accumulators or remain neutral. The study also revealed the effects of density dependence on the mortality and regeneration of different tree species, and highlighted the importance of early-arriving tree species in facilitating the establishment and diversity of late-arriving counterparts.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Yierxiati Abulaiti, Zijian Huang, Guojiao Xie, Xiaojuan Zou, Qin Luo, Minhuang Wang, Qiong Yang, Ping Hu, Shixiao Yu
Summary: In this study, the resistance to pest infestation of native and exotic mangrove species was compared based on their traits and spectral reflectance. The results showed that exotic species exhibited higher resistance to pest infestation compared to native species.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Thomas Feiss, Vincent Robin, Delphine Aran, Joseph Levillain, Thierry Paul, Jean-Luc Dupouey
Summary: Fagus sylvatica L. is a competitive tree in European temperate deciduous forests, but often sporadic or absent in present-day stands where Quercus spp. are dominant. Through soil charcoal analysis in the Lorraine Plateau in France, the presence of Fagus and Quercus in mature Quercus stands was confirmed. Radiocarbon dating results indicated that historical forest management caused the replacement of Fagus by Quercus, starting from the Bronze Age.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Paula Halbig, Anne-Sophie Stelzer, Peter Baier, Josef Pennerstorfer, Horst Delb, Axel Schopf
Summary: The incidence of oak processionary moth in Central Europe has been increasing, posing severe threats to oak trees, humans, and animals. To address this issue, researchers have developed an online early warning system that provides phenological forecasts and decision support for the protection of oak trees and human health.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Jean-Baptiste Ndamiyehe Ncutirakiza, Sylvie Gourlet-Fleury, Philippe Lejeune, Xavier Bry, Catherine Trottier, Frederic Mortier, Adeline Fayolle, Francois Muhashy Habiyaremye, Leopold Ndjele Mianda-Bungi, Gauthier Ligot
Summary: This study examines the influence of canopy structure on tropical tree growth using data collected through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and field measurements. The results show that combining UAV and field data can improve the prediction of tree diameter increment. Diameter at breast height and crown area are complementary predictors, and crown-based competition indices significantly enhance prediction models. The calibrated model at one site can accurately predict growth at another site.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Abebe Damtew, Emiru Birhane, Christian Messier, Alain Paquette, Bart Muys
Summary: Restoring degraded dryland requires a diverse mixture of trees and shrubs. Shading and species diversity can improve seedling survival and vitality. Shaded conditions led to higher seedling survival, vitality, and chlorophyll content, while increasing species richness improved seedling vitality in non-shaded conditions.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Francois Hebert, Isabelle Delisle, Marc Tremblay, Pascal Tremblay, Jean- Francois Boucher, Yan Boucher, Daniel Lord
Summary: Regeneration failures in the closed-crown boreal forest, resulting in the creation of open lichen woodlands, can be restored through clear-cutting, scarification, and natural seeding. Clear-cutting combined with scarification promotes seedling establishment, and scarification creates suitable microsites for germination. Seedling growth in lichen woodlands is higher when logging and scarification are combined, but lower compared to feather moss stands. Afforestation through natural seeding following scarification could be a cost-effective option for restoring lichen woodlands.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Bianca Wulansari Kassun, A. Maarit I. Kallio, Erik Tr Omborg, Meley Mekonen Rannestad
Summary: Mapping and analyzing forest ecosystem services in dry and mountain forests can provide valuable knowledge for sustainable forest management strategies.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Michael Premer, Eric Turnblom, Aaron Weiskittel
Summary: Managed forests serve as a natural climate change solution by sequestering carbon and storing it in harvested wood products, while also providing ecosystem services and wildlife habitat. This study focused on the stem sinuosity of juvenile coastal Douglas-fir and found that genetic improvement, silviculture practices, and local growing conditions can impact stem sinuosity. Factors such as tree spacing, vegetation control, and climate variables also affect the severity of stem sinuosity.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Bronwyn Lira Dyson, Rhea Herpel, Peter Karasch, Jorg Mueller, Dominik Thom, Claus Baessler
Summary: The study aimed to assess the effects of different forest management strategies, dead wood types, and microclimates on Fomes fomentarius. The results showed that the occupancy of Fomes fomentarius was lower in control stands, while the percent cover occupied on snags under a closed canopy was higher. Increasing the number of snags and maintaining dense forest canopies could enhance the presence of Fomes fomentarius as well as provide important microhabitats for various arthropods.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Di Liu, Chaofan Zhou, Xiao He, Xiangdong Lei, Huiru Zhang, Xianzhao Liu
Summary: Canopy structure plays a significant role in the distribution and growth of saplings. Traditional canopy metrics are inadequate in irregular stands. The innovative framework of canopy triangular units provides a comprehensive understanding of the canopy's three-dimensional attributes. Through this framework, we can analyze the differences in various triangular unit types and the spatial dispersion of saplings.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Amalia Valeria Ibanez Moro, Fabian Borghetti, Leonardo Galetto, Juan M. Cellini, Sandra J. Bravo
Summary: This study evaluated the size and persistence of soil seed banks (SSB) of six native woody species in dry subtropical forests of the western Argentine Chaco region. The results showed that SSB size was influenced by different sites and sampling years, and forest disturbances had varying effects on SSB.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Stephanie Landry, Marc-Andre Villard, Gaetan Pelletier, Martin-Hugues St-Laurent
Summary: In many regions of the world, excessive browsing by ungulates has reached unsustainable levels, threatening biodiversity and forest regeneration. Moose, as ecological engineers, have severe impacts on forest structure and composition through overbrowsing. The distribution of forage and cover patches affects moose browsing pressure, and this relationship has been explored in conifer-dominated stands but not in hardwood-dominated landscapes.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)