Providing habitat for native mammals through understory enhancement in forestry plantations
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Published source details
Simonetti J.A., Grez A.A. & Estades C.F. (2013) Providing habitat for native mammals through understory enhancement in forestry plantations. Conservation Biology, 27, 1117-1121.
Published source details Simonetti J.A., Grez A.A. & Estades C.F. (2013) Providing habitat for native mammals through understory enhancement in forestry plantations. Conservation Biology, 27, 1117-1121.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Retain understorey vegetation within plantations Action Link |
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Retain understorey vegetation within plantations
A replicated, controlled, before-and-after study in 2009–2012 of a Monterey pine Pinus radiata plantation in central Chile (Simonetti et al. 2013) found that retaining understorey vegetation resulted in there being a greater number and higher visit rate of medium-sized mammal species, compared to areas cleared of understorey vegetation. Before clearance, the same four species were recorded both in plots designated to be uncleared and cleared; guiña Leopardus guigna, culpeo Pseudalopex culpaeus, Molina's hog-nosed skunk Conepatus chinga and southern pudu Pudu puda. After understorey clearance, all four species remained in uncleared plots but just southern pudu occurred in cleared plots. There were also fewer visits to cleared plots after understorey removal (visit rates presented as response ratios). Thirteen plots (≥300 m apart) were monitored using camera traps for four to five nights, monthly, from October 2009 to July 2012. In February 2011, understorey vegetation was removed from 1,600 m2 around cameras in five plots. Regrowth was controlled in February 2012.
(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)
