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Initial small mammal responses to alternative pine regeneration methods in Arkansas and Oklahoma: preliminary findings

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Abstract - We studied winter small mammal communities in the Ouachita Mountains of west-central Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma using Sherman live traps in four replications of four regeneration treatments (clearcut/plant, shelterwood, single-tree selection, and group selection), plus four mature, untreated "controls." Data on relative small mammal abundance, species richness, and diversity after one, three, and five growing seasons after harvest are presented. Capture success (all species included) generally peaked in all harvested treatments after the first growing season, declined markedly there-after, but remained 2.6 (single tree) to 4.1 (clearcut) times greater than in controls five growing seasons after harvest. Total small mammal abundance in clearcut and shelterwood stands was significantly higher ( p ≤ 0.05) than in controls all years. With data for all species included, species richness and diversity did not differ among harvested stands in any year, but shelterwood stands had higher richness and diversity than controls in the third growing season.

Parent Publication

Citation

Thill, Ronald E.; Perry, Roger W.; Koerth, Nancy E.; Tappe, Philip A.; Peitz, David G. 2004. Initial small mammal responses to alternative pine regeneration methods in Arkansas and Oklahoma: preliminary findings. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-74. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station: 29-35.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/6577