Short-term influences of edge and gap creation on bird populations in jarrah forest, Western Australia

Abstract

Summary Birds were censused over six months at different distances into and away from edges in jarrah forest, within an area logged under gap-creation prescription two years previously. Vegetation structure, floristics and invertebrate abundance (using sweep nets) were also recorded. Understorey cover was similar in older forest and gaps, but canopy cover, basal area and invertebrate abundance were greater in older forest than in gaps, with edges being a combination of the two. 34 bird species were detected. Five species were most frequently detected in gaps, two in the older forest and none at edges. Seven species showed no significant differences between gaps, older forest and edges. The most abundant species in the study area were widespread generalists, which are common throughout the south-west of Western Australia. Almost twice as many birds were detected in gaps and in edges than in older forest. Trees retained in gaps following logging showed relatively high use by foraging birds compared with tre...