Background:
Currently, there are plans to treat the ponderosa pine forests on Camp
Navajo using restoration prescriptions to restore ecosystem function
of the ponderosa pine forest community. Forest restoration treatments
involve removing accumulated leaf litter and reducing density of
over-stocked forest stands through prescribed burning and mechanical
thinning techniques. Thinning and burning operations may alter
species richness and density of certain wildlife species. The effects
of forest restoration on the tassel-eared squirrel, a key species
of the ponderosa pine ecosystem, is poorly understood. This project
will determine the abundance of Abert's Squirrels within forest
restoration treatments and eventually compare their abundance between
restored and unrestored forest areas.
Location:
The study will be restricted to the western
portion of Camp Navajo (approximately 26
km2) where two different proposed forest
restoration treatments are to occur. Camp
Navajo is located on the Coconino plateau
about 10 miles west of Flagstaff, Arizona.
Approach:
We used standardized feed sign counts to
estimate the density of tassel-eared squirrels.
The feed sign plots encompassed an area of
166 acres, consisting of 256 survey points.
Each survey plot consisted of 4 - 1225 yard
parallel transects spaced 219 yards apart
and contained 64 survey point each. Each
survey point was spaced 19 yards apart and
presence or absence of Abert' Squirrel feed
sign (clippings, truffle digs, and eaten
cones) within 10 square feet was determined
at each point. We placed 20 survey plots
within the proposed forest treatment area.
A permanent marker (metal bar with ID tag)
was placed at each of transect starting point
and its UTM coordinate was recorded. We conducted
surveys in spring 2002 and 2003, and we intend
to survey for the next several years during
and after the restoration treatment.
Benefits:
Restoration treatments may affect wildlife
communities living in the ponderosa pine
(Pinus ponderosa) forest. Restoration is
expected to increase biodiversity and productivity
at the herbaceous layer, which is expected
to benefit some species of wildlife. Scientific
data are needed to reveal the effects of
ecosystem restoration on Abert's squirrels
within the ponderosa pine community before
decisions are made to restore large areas.
For more information
contact:
Mylea Bayless, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway,
Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000.
Phone: (928) 213-9591 E-mail: mbayless@gf.state.az.us
Michael Ingraldi, Ph.D., Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2221 W. Greenway
Road, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000.
Phone: (928) 523-5625 E-mail: mingraldi@cybertrails.com
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