Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Colony Status and Trends on the Angelina, Davy Crockett and Sabine National Forests

摘要

The status of red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) colonies was determined for the Sabine and Davy Crockett National Forests in 1987 and annually on the Angelina National Forest from 1983 through 1988. Populations were declining severely on all three national forests. Dawn and dusk roost checks indicated that about one-fourth of all active colonies contained only a single red-cockaded woodpecker. Habitat measurements and statistical analyses indicated that the presence of hardwood midstory foliage in colony areas and colony isolation were the main reasons for the decline. Habitat fragmentation appeared to have a negative affect on woodpecker group size. An aggressive hardwood midstory removal program and frequent prescribed burns in colony areas are recommended. Also recommended are the use of the irregular shelterwood cutting method within a 1,200-m radius of active colonies and no regeneration cutting within a 400-m radius of active colonies until populations exceed 50 active colonies.