Fire Effects on Wildlife in the Central Hardwoods and Appalachian Regions, USA

摘要: Fire is being prescribed and used increasingly to promote ecosystem restoration (e.g., oak woodlands savannas) manage wildlife habitat in the Central Hardwoods Appalachian regions, USA. However, questions persist as how fire affects hardwood forest communities associated wildlife, should be achieve management goals. We provide an up-to-date review of effects on various species their Appalachians. Documented direct (i.e., mortality) are rare. Indirect changes quality) influenced greatly by light availability, frequency, intensity. Unless intensity great enough kill a portion overstory, burning closed-canopy forests has provided little benefit for most region because it doesn’t result sunlight penetration elicit understory response. Canopy reduction through silvicultural treatment enabled managers use more effectively. must kept low hardwoods limit damage many overstory trees. wounding or killing trees with benefits allowing increased stimulate response, snag subsequent cavity creation, additions large coarse woody debris. In general, fire-return interval 2 yr 7 wide variety providing diverse structure understory; increasing browse, forage, soft mast; creating snags cavities. Historically, dormant-season was prevalent these still when implemented systems burn-days relatively few growing season May August shading from leaf cover high fuel moisture. Late growing-season increases window burning, better control composition possible. Early may pose risk some species, especially herpetofauna recently emerged winter hibernacula (April) songbirds that nest (May June). negative population-level unlikely unless burned area early continually. did not find evidence leading population declines any including Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed Indiana bat [Myotis sodalis Mill. Allen] northern long-eared [M. septentrionalis Trouess.]). Instead, data indicate can enhance bats suitability foraging day-roost sites. Similarly, concern over displacement woodland salamanders (Plethodontidae), another taxa heightened conservation concern, alleviated along ecologically appropriate aspect slope gradients forced into mesic, site index environments where common. Because topography across Appalachians diverse, we contend applying positions best suited effective approach increase regional landscape heterogeneity biological diversity. Herein, offer prescriptive concepts guilds