Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Forest Science

Publisher

Society of American Foresters

Rights and Access Note

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Publication Date

6-2016

First Page

333

Last Page

342

Issue Number

3

Volume Number

62

Abstract/ Summary

Maintaining amphibian populations in managed forests requires a balance between timber extraction and retaining functional connectivity for animals that use multiple vegetation types to satisfy habitat requirements, particularly where extensive harvesting may increase fragmentation. Quantifying dispersal patterns in response to harvest, especially across high-contrast edges adjacent to unlogged forest, is critical for evaluating the effects of harvest configuration on amphibians. We tested the initial post-metamorphic orientation of juvenile wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) at edges in harvests (31– 60% retention standwide) in the Acadian forest of Maine, USA, during the period when juveniles emigrate from breeding pools. We released juveniles (n = 621) in 10-m diameter arena enclosures spanning edges. Frog movement in uncut controls (~70 –75% canopy) was contrasted with movement in the following: harvester trails (0% retention) running parallel to edges of uncut forest; perpendicular harvester trails; or residual strips of partially cut matrix-forest (~30% retention) between trails. We observed a nonsignificant trend for higher proportions of individuals entering control forests versus harvests (x12 = 2.504, P = 0.113) and a stronger trend for movements into control forests versus perpendicular-oriented trails (52:35 for forest versus treatment; x12 = 3.322, P = 0.068). The biological relevance of such patterns warrants further consideration. Juveniles may enter partial harvests at rates similar to those for intact forest, but quantifying the effects of harvest configuration on movement patterns, residency times, and ultimately survival is necessary to determine whether these harvests represent sink habitats.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

"Cline, B.B., & Hunter, M.L. Jr. Heavy partial harvests and the initial movements of a dispersing forest amphibian in the Acadian forest of Maine, USA. Forest Science. In Review. "

Publisher Statement

© 2016 Society of American Foresters

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.5849/forsci.14-211

Version

post-print (i.e. final draft post-refereeing with all author corrections and edits)

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Rights Statement

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted.