Chronoséquence après feu de la diversité de mammifères et d'oiseaux au nord de la forêt boréale québécoise

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Diversity of passerine birds and mammals was estimated in well-drained areas located at proximity of the hydroelectric reservoir La Grande-3, where natural fire regime still prevails in the absence of forest exploitation. Forest stands were divided up into four post-fire stages: (i) recent burns (4 years old), (ii) shrubs (25 years old), (iii) young forests (50 years old), and (iv) mature forests (≥71 years old). Richness and species diversity were highest in middle stages, in shrubs and young forests. The degree of opening seems to have affected more the composition of bird communities than stand age. Some bird species, typical of shrub stands, in particular white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichialeucophrys Forster), Lincoln's sparrow (Melospizalincolnii Audubon), and alder flycatcher (Empidonaxalnorum Brewster), appeared after the falling of dead trees, ≈15 years after fire, and disappeared progressively as forests matured. Deer mice (Peromyscusmaniculatus Wagner), moose (Alcesalces L.), and black bears (Ursusamericanus Pallas) were more common at the beginning of succession, whereas northern red-backed voles (Clethrionomysgapperi Vigors) and caribou (Rangifertarandus L.) were typical of late stages. Mammal presence was mostly associated to their feeding requirements. Fire creates a mosaic of forest stands through periodic killing of trees in the north of the boreal forest, which contributes to maintain regional wildlife diversity; its suppression would reduce biodiversity.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: