Provision of habitat for black grouse Tetrao tetrix in commercial forest restocks in relation to their management

摘要: As planted forests mature and are clearfelled in patches, second rotation tree crops (restocks) become available to black grouse, a species of conservation concern the UK. Currently, only limited amount is known about resources provided by this habitat grouse their broods. The aims study therefore, were investigate recovery field-layer vegetation invertebrate population from restock through canopy closure trees, assess duration availability food understand how forest management could improve provision. Changes abundance predators resulting also considered. comparative quality restocks was assessed wider landscape context. Field-layer 72 two afforested areas north-east south-west Scottish Highlands surveyed. On average, 60% ground re-planted with remainder left unplanted. Initial generally impeded timber harvest residues (mainly brash), which comprised up 50% total cover years after restock. Increased heather Calluna vulgaris, often an important component habitat, decreased brash recorded where firstrotation removed cable-winch (compared harvester forwarder removal) unplanted). Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus cotton grass Eriophorum spp. occurrence infrequently irrespective age or management. Heather dominated six restock, reaching height density reported be suitable for nesting brood other studies. onset as early eight suggests that likely severely duration. Brash removal, break-up re-distribution layer, positively affected potentially use grouse. Extending fallow period prior resulted extended closure. However, created extending attracted higher number mammalian In longer term, unplanted should provide valuable open-ground resource crop, although results suggest prevent encroachment naturally regenerating non-native trees necessary. Invertebrate taxa selected chicks previous studies all ages studied. Taxa differed aged developed, contrasting preferences meant each differently No single method increased taxa. Abundance Lepidoptera larvae, key item chicks, related dwarf shrub cover. An prolong larvae chicks. Provision preferred comparable surrounding leks occupied utilised Restocks had comparatively low plant species, including bilberry Cover bog myrtle Myrica gale, associated leks, absent restocks. considered similar between Study findings discussed reference commercial forestry systems Europe. Management recommendations Britain provided.