Spruce beetles and timber harvest in Alaska: Implications for northern red-backed voles

Abstract

Changes in structure and function of spruce forests occurred following a recent spruce beetle ( Dendroctonus rufipennis) epidemic in the temperate forests of south-central Alaska. To assess the effects of this infestation and the subsequent land management practices used to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire, we measured northern red-backed vole ( Clethrionomys rutilus) abundance over a 10-year period. We established eight live trapping grids across white spruce ( Picea glauca) forests. Dead trees were harvested from four treatment grids; four grids remained as reference (not harvested). Northern red-backed vole populations synchronously declined across all sampling areas following the spruce beetle infestation, and began recovery by the end of the study. Population decline and subsequent recovery did not appear to be influenced by timber harvest.