Question

how to manage those three wildlfe animal in Ponderosa Pine community

Goal 1: Sciurus aberti (Abert’s squirrel) - Management goal is for long-term suitability of the site for this species.

a) ___________________________________________________________________

b) ___________________________________________________________________

Goal 2: Pygmy Nuthatch – Manage for long-term suitability of the site for this species.

a) ___________________________________________________________________

b) ___________________________________________________________________

Goal 3: Turkey - Manage for long-term suitability of the site for this species.

a) ___________________________________________________________________

b) ___________________________________________________________________

Answer 1

Ponderosa pine forests are found in the Rocky Mountains at an approximate elevation of 2100 to 2700 metres.It is an important temperate coniferous forest region including some endemic flora and fauna which are found only in this habitat.

The pine trees grow vibrantly in the region and require adequate moisture and an average temperature around 13 degree celcius The canopy cover is less as compared to other pine forests, so the forest floor is covered with thick growh of grasses, forbs and shrubs.

Annual precipitation in this forest region is about 35 to 50 cm and most of it falls from the month of April to the month of September in the form of thunderstorms. However, this forest region has an average temperature whih is higher as compared to other pine forest regions.

As mentioned before, Ponderosa pine forest habitat supports several endemic species of animals. So, it is essential to set some goals for the conservation of this habitat.

GOAL 1-- Sciurus aberti [ Abert's squirrel ]

   a] Since it feeds on the seeds of the pine cones and prefers to live among a cluster of trees, the long term goal should be to see hat the regeneration of the forest is maintained .

b] Ponderosa pines produce certain chemicals for protection . The squirrels have adapted to this by targetting those trees which have lowered chemical levels. So, to help the squirrels survive, the long term management practice should include group selection cutting and prescribed controlled burn fires.

GOAL 2--- Pygmy nuthatch [ Sitta pygmae ]

a] The nuthatch found in this region is smaller than the usual ones. It is highly energetic , hopping up and down the trees. They feed on the nuts of the conifers. So, the long term management policy will include to strike a balance between the nuthatch population and availability of seeds for forest regeneration.

b] The population of trees should be maintained .Since, the pine wood is an important timber product , silviculture or planned harvesting of the trees should be practised.

GOAL 3 - Turkey

a] Wild turkey found in the region is hunted for its meat. They feed on the pine seeds as well as insects and herbs which grow as forest undergrowth. The forest floor should be covered with grass and shrubs for the srvival of the turkeys. Any long term management plan should work on this.

b] The turkey nest among the shrubs and bushes which cover the forest floor. So, forest management plan will have to ensure that the canopy cover does not become too dense and the undergrowth is maintained so that the wildlife which lives here is not disturbed.