Abstract
We analyzed the responses of small mammals to clear-cutting in temperate and boreal forests in Europe. We conducted a meta-analysis of published research on most often studied small mammal species (the striped field mouse, the yellow-necked mouse, the wood mouse, the field vole, the common vole, the bank vole, the Eurasian harvest mouse, the common shrew and the Eurasian pygmy shrew), comparing their abundance on clear-cuts and in unharvested stands. For four other species (the gray-sided vole, the Siberian flying squirrel, the Eurasian red squirrel and the hazel dormouse), we provide a qualitative review of their responses to forest harvest. Results of the meta- analysis suggest that common species of small mammals usually increase in abundance after clear-cutting or are unaffected by this disturbance. As an exception, the yel- low-necked mouse declines after clear-cutting in boreal but not in temperate forest. The qualitative review suggests that the responses of more specialized (e.g., arboreal) species to forest harvest are more varied than the responses of generalist species included in the meta-analysis. For some species of small mammals (e.g., the Siberian flying squirrel), habitat loss resulting from forest harvest is a major threat.
Highlights
One of the main goals of sustainable modern forestry is maintaining biodiversity in conjunction with ensuring economic services of forests (Bengtsson et al 2000)
For four other species, we provide a qualitative review of their responses to forest harvest
The results of our meta-analysis and the literature review suggest that small mammal vulnerability to forest management is species-specific
Summary
One of the main goals of sustainable modern forestry is maintaining biodiversity in conjunction with ensuring economic services of forests (Bengtsson et al 2000). To achieve this objective, we need to develop an adequate scientific knowledge on the influence of management practices on forest ecosystems (Simberloff 1999). Forest harvest is often conducted in the form of clear-cutting, especially in northern parts of Europe (Keenan and Kimmins 1993; Kuuluvainen 2009). There is a need for gathering reliable scientific knowledge on the influence of clear-cutting on different aspects of forest ecosystems
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