Project Profile

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The Birds and the Bees: Influences of Forest Management Practices Across Trophic Levels

Researchers: Craig Sklarczyk, Madalyn Stoecker, Kristine Evans

Location: Scooba, MS

Project Narrative

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Substantial declines in insect pollinators have been documented globally and led to increased research and conservation efforts. Although the importance of managed forest for biodiversity is often overlooked, it can provide a mosaic of vegetational stage classes vital to numerous species of concern. Early-successional forests such as those produced via silviculture serve as high-quality habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species including mammals, birds, bees, and butterflies. Thus, the various management practices that affect vegetation structure and floral abundance can have impacts on native pollinator communities and subsequently bird populations. Forest management practices that reduce overstory density (e.g., thinning, clearcut, group selection harvest, shelterwood) and create canopy openings may benefit forest pollinators by increasing herbaceous vegetation, floral resources, and nesting opportunities, especially when combined with understory site preparation. Such management practices can also enhance bird population, especially declining grassland, and scrub-shrub species. In recognition of the potential importance of forest in Mississippi ecoregions for sustaining native pollinator (including native bee) and bird populations, it is critical to have a detailed understanding of best practices for habitat establishment in production systems to support healthy pollinator and bird communities and promote the ecosystem services they provide.

Sponsors: Weyerhaeuser, National Council for Stream and Air Improvement

Project Photos

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