Winter habitat selection by two sympatric forest grouse in western Switzerland: implications for conservation

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_38A5CD771901
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Winter habitat selection by two sympatric forest grouse in western Switzerland: implications for conservation
Journal
Biological Conservation
Author(s)
Sachot S., Perrin N., Neet C.
ISSN
0006-3207
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2003
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
112
Number
3
Pages
373-382
Language
english
Abstract
Two endangered tetraonids, the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and the hazel grouse (Bonasa bonasia rupestris), are sympatric throughout part of their distribution range in central Europe. Precise information on their specific habitat requirements is needed if the coexistence of both species in exploited forests is to be maintained. We quantified winter habitat selection for both species in the upper part (1100-1600 m) of the Jura mountains (Switzerland). No preference for altitude or exposure could be detected. Capercaillie preferred open forests (including grazed forests) with a sparse canopy dominated by spruce (Picea abies) and fir (Abies alba), and avoided dense undercanopy and understorey, especially when dominated by spruce and beech (Fagus sylvatica). By contrast, hazel grouse preferred feeding sites with a dense understorey of rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), willow (Salix sp.), beech and spruce. These preferences can be related to the feeding habits and predator avoidance behaviour of both species. Coexistence thus requires a mosaic distribution of habitat types, with a matrix of open forests (30% canopy cover) where fir is favoured, and understorey kept sparse (20%). Group-cuts of mature trees should allow regeneration patches, where a dense understorey (50% cover) should provide suitable habitats for hazel grouse
Keywords
capercaillie, hazel grouse, forest management, Switzerland, winter habitat selection
Web of science
Create date
24/01/2008 18:13
Last modification date
20/08/2019 13:28
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