Abstract
We investigated the relationship between red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) reproductive success and microhabitat characteristics in a southeastern loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (P. echinata) pine forest. From 1997 to 1999, we recorded reproductive success parameters of 41 red-cockaded woodpecker groups at the Bienville National Forest, Mississippi. Microhabitat characteristics were measured for each group during the nesting season. Logistic regression identified understory vegetation height and small nesting season home range size as predictors of red-cockaded woodpecker nest attempts. Linear regression models identified several variables as predictors of red-cockaded woodpecker reproductive success including group density, reduced hardwood component, small nesting season home range size, and shorter foraging distances. Red-cockaded woodpecker reproductive success was correlated with habitat and behavioral characteristics that emphasize high quality habitat. By providing high quality foraging habitat during the nesting season, red-cockaded woodpeckers can successfully reproduce within small home ranges.
Highlights
Red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis; hereafter RCW) are a federally-endangered species endemic to pine ecosystems of the southeastern United States [1]
RCW reproductive success was not related to the amount of foraging habitat provided by the RCW recovery plan [8,10]
Mean percentage horizontal obstruction (2.0–2.5 m) and mean nesting season home range were useful in predicting RCW nest attempts
Summary
Red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis; hereafter RCW) are a federally-endangered species endemic to pine ecosystems of the southeastern United States [1]. Few studies have quantitatively examined RCW microhabitat selection and reproductive success within fragmented loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (P. echinata) pine ecosystems [2,3]. We examined the relationship between RCW reproductive success and microhabitat characteristics within a fragmented loblolly and shortleaf pine forest. The few studies that attempted to determine a causal relationship between RCW reproductive success and microhabitat characteristics produced conflicting results. RCW reproductive success was not related to the amount of suitable foraging habitat or degree of habitat fragmentation in a Florida longleaf pine forest [8]. Others were unable to detect a relationship between RCW reproductive success and microhabitat variables (i.e., stem size, frequency of large pine stems, pine basal area, or stand suitability) on private lands
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