Determining factors of habitat in dynamic forest ecosystems.

Nienhuis, Hendrik (2023) Determining factors of habitat in dynamic forest ecosystems. Master's Research Project 2, Biology.

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Abstract

Bark beetle outbreaks alter forest habitats significantly and thus habitat availability and biodiversity. A recent outbreak in Białowieża Primeval Forest (Poland, Belarus) and consequential management provided an opportunity to analyse the effects of the resulting mosaic of forest habitats on local bird species. Within the mosaic of habitats, we recorded species-specific bird sounds to find the presence of birds. Through optimal model selection, we compared the effect of canopy openness with a set of four habitat types, resulting from bark beetle outbreaks. We found that six species were affected by canopy openness, nine were affected by at least one of the habitat types, and two were affected by a combination of the variables. These results show the impact of habitat alterations through natural disturbances and forestry management on forest ecosystems, and we advocate against the practice of salvage logging, as it replaces important forest habitats.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Research Project 2)
Supervisor name:	Both, C.
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Master's Research Project 2
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	14 Dec 2023 13:09
Last Modified:	14 Dec 2023 13:09
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/31738

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