Amphibian response to downed wood retention in managed forests: A prospectus for future biomass harvest in North America

摘要: Abstract Harvest of forest biomass, specifically downed woody material (DWM), will increase to meet rising demand for alternative energy sources. Biomass harvest may reduce habitat quality, abundance, and regional diversity forest-dependent species such as amphibians. We synthesize available literature conducted in landscapes managed timber production (1) assess the current state knowledge regarding DWM management amphibian population dynamics (2) identify pertinent research gaps future biomass studies. In general, 25 studies we reviewed reported that counts were positively correlated with levels. Although involving terrestrial salamanders often stressed importance retaining harvested systems, empirical support this conclusion is uncertain due study- species-specific variation responses. Lack a effect was attributed wood not well decayed or too small use. identified several critical needs, including: understanding temporal (e.g., recruitment decay rates) regenerating forests its influence on populations, determining how use units relates configuration characteristics DWM, (3) influences demographic rates, (4) development sampling analytical techniques separation error ecological effects. suggest estimate effects identify, test, refine operational strategies minimize impacts populations. emphasize should be at scales relevant management; specifically, stand landscape scales.