Habitat characteristics of Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus display grounds in southeastern Norway

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Abstract
Habitat composition of 39 capercaillie Tetrao urogallus display grounds was compared with available and unused habitats in two coniferous forest areas in southeastern Norway. Macro‐habitat was described with respect to forest successional stage and topography. Micro‐habitat was described with respect to microtopography, plant association, and forest stand structure. Totally, 28 variables were measured. A pronounced macro‐habitat preference was found for elevated areas with forests older than 60‐70 years. Micro–habitat composition varied considerably. However, a slight but significant preference was found for heterogeneous, open‐spaced understory, and for visibility of more than 30 m. Suitable micro‐habitats were abundant, and distribution of display grounds were mainly limited by macro‐habitat characteristics, i.e. elevated, old forest areas.

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