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One very important effect of forest land management
that is often ignored or forgotten is how the indigenous
wildlife is affected. Urbanization of forest land
tends to lead to a shift in species diversity and
species biomass. Put simply in easy-to-understand
terms, this means that some species may either die
out or leave the area whereas others may thrive and
become dominant due to a change in the resources which
the land offers. Even migratory patterns may change
as a result of urbanization, as can be the case with
species of birds.
The size of a forest has a direct effect on the diversity
of species that live in the forest. Many species of
animals, including birds, have minimum area requirements
in order to live. Forest tracts that are small and
isolated directly result in a decreased number of
species, including migratory animals. Fragmentation
has been found to be one of the leading causes of
decreased in neotropical migratory bird species. It
has been recommended that when managing forests, that
top priority be given to area-sensitive or rare bird
species.
Forest cover is considered extremely important as
well as the actual geographic size of the area. Some
species, such as the worm-eating warblers, are not
noticeably affected by smaller tracts of forest as
long as heavy forest cover is maintained. In some
cases, a higher species diversity is NOT desired,
such as when rare species of birds are involved. One
of the biggest success stories of wildlife management
is the resurgence of the American Bald Eagle, once
threatened to become extinct. Proper management of
the American Bald Eagle and specifically its habitat,
has allowed it to return in great numbers. Although
it is still a protected species of bird, it is not
uncommon to see an Eagle when in the South.
There are many factors to consider for animal species
other than birds as well. For instance, raccoons tend
to be more abundant in agricultural landscapes with
high densities of streams than in forested landscapes
with low densities of streams whereas Opossums (known
as "Possums" in the South) tend to be more
abundant in heterogeneous landscapes with widely spaced
patches of forest and high densities of riparian habitat.
Knowing the area, its indigenous species, and contributing
factors are critical. This is where the experience
of Southern Forestry Realty is a huge advantage to
our customers.
| URBANIZATION
AND ITS EFFECTS ON MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND AMPHIBIANS |
Many smaller and medium-sized mammals, somewhat surprisingly,
are able to adapt rather quickly and successfully
to a change in their natural environment. While some
smaller species are not able to adapt, many are able
to actually thrive in urbanized areas where their
natural forest home has been transformed. Moles, bats,
raccoons, opossums, and armadillos are very common
in residential areas. While gray foxes are not as
tolerant of urbanization, red foxes often will make
their dens in wooded areas within a city's boundaries,
and can live quite successfully, especially if their
food sources (such as squirrels) are abundant.
Hardly any of the larger mammals, such as bears,
wolves, and cougars, live in urban areas. Although
it seems to be more and more common to hear about
encounters with such creatures in residential and
urban areas, the encounters are quite often a result
of the fact that their natural forested areas have
been drastically reduced, thereby putting a strain
on their food supply. While wolves are fairly uncommon
in such areas, coyotes, on the other hand, are becoming
very common in urban areas such as Los Angeles, Seattle,
and New York City.
Many reptiles and amphibians are "habitat specialists",
meaning that they strongly depending upon specific
factors for their survival. Many species of salamanders
are examples of habitat specialists. The Florida scrub
lizard is another example. This lizard's largest remaining
population is in the Ocala National Forest. The Florida
scrub lizard can only occupy certain stages of a regenerating
forest (7 to 9 years old). Fire suppression and manmade
control of natural forest dynamics have made this
lizard a rarity.
| THE
NEED FOR PROPER MANAGEMENT |
The effects and results described above clearly illustrate
the need for a strong forest and timber land management
program. Our realtors have strong backgrounds and
many years of experience in the forest industry. Not
only do we buy and sell real estate, but we also offer
land management services so that you are able to receive
a complete package when you decide to let our company
serve you.
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