Effects of thinning on forest-floor vertebrates and analysis of habitat associations along ecological gradients in Oregon coastal Douglas-fir forests

摘要: approved: Signature redacted for privacy. / '-"(f( ( John P. Hayes Thinning has the potential to increase structural diversity of managed forests wildlife. During 1994i 996, I conducted experimental and observational studies using pitfall trapping assess short-term longterm effects thinning on abundance reproduction forest-floor vertebrates in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menzeisii) Oregon Coast Range. had posititive relative abundances creeping voles (Microtus oregoni) Pacific jumping mice (Zapus trinotatus) both short term long term. In contrast, western red-backed salamanders (Plethodon vehiculum) was lower stands thinned 7-24 years previously than unthinned stands, suggesting negative Relative (Clethrionomys calfornicus) decreased within 2 but similar stands. However, reproductive performance higher positive 1994, investigated influences ecological gradients habitat associations at microsite stand scales 12 Douglasfir stem exclusion stage. examined various microclimate, structure, plant community composition, downed wood. Among examined, highest number species influenced by red alder/herb conifer/shrub gradient composition scales. At scale, 7 were associated with communities whereas only communities. Red-alder patches herb understory, therefore, have a role maintaining biodiversity vertebrate young dominated Furthermore, found that 4 shrew generally consistent between scales, those 3 rodent inconsistent spatial hypothesized this rodent-shrew dichotomy association occurring is result differences their ability explore habitats multiple Effects Forest-floor Vertebrates Analysis Habitat Associations along Ecological Gradients Coastal Forests