Forest habitat loss, fragmentation, and red-cockaded woodpecker populations

Abstract

Loss of mature forest habitat was measured around Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) cavity tree clusters (colonies) in three National Forests in eastern Texas. Forest removal results in a loss of foraging habitat and causes habitat fragmentation of the remaining mature forest. Habitat loss was negatively associated with woodpecker group size in small populations that had relatively isolated clusters but not in a larger, more dense population. Cutting patterns also may affect the amount of foraging habitat available to a family group if the group is forced to go through the territories of other groups to access suitable foraging habitat. Habitat loss may affect woodpecker group size by causing an insufficiency of foraging habitat and dispersal-demographic problems.

Citation

Conner, Richard N.; Rudolph, D. Craig. 1991. Forest habitat loss, fragmentation, and red-cockaded woodpecker populations. Wilson Bulletin. 103(3): 446-457.