Ecological consequences of mountain pine beetle outbreaks for wildlife in western North American forests

摘要: Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) (MPB) outbreaks are increasingly prevalent in western North America, causing considerable ecological change (Pinus spp.) forests with important implications for wildlife. We reviewed studies examining wildlife responses to MPB and postoutbreak salvage logging inform forest management guide future research. Our review included 16 describing outbreak relationships 89 bird species 6 11 mammalian species, but no of reptiles or amphibians. that compared response metrics temporally (before versus after the outbreak) spatially (across sites varied severity relation outbreaks. Outbreaks ranged size from 20,600 107 ha occurred 1-30 years peak outbreak, most were conducted over short-term (i.e., MPB-induced tree mortality). Birds only taxa studied frequently; however, high variability existed among those allow many inferences, although some patterns evident. Avian concluded cavity-nesting responded more favorably beetle-killed than open-cup nests, nesting shrub layer favored ground canopy nesters generally showed mixed relationships. Bark-drilling as a group clearly demonstrated positive association epidemics other foraging assemblages. Cavity-nesting birds do not consume bark beetles secondary nonbark-drilling woodpeckers) also exhibited outbreaks, pronounced consistent bark-drilling woodpeckers. Mammalian mixed. Studies consistently reported negative effects on red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). However, there is evidence can persist an under conditions, e.g., when nonhost present. For small mammal associated understories, may be during postepidemic period ( beetle-induced mortality) snags fall produce coarse woody debris. Postoutbreak (n = 6) results lacked consensus. have impact fewer postfire logging, probably because host-specific removed