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Distribution of logs in a dry sclerophyll forest, Brisbane Ranges, Victoria
journal contribution
posted on 2003-01-01, 00:00 authored by L Banks, Andrew BennettFallen timber is an important habitat resource for small vertebrate and invertebrate animals in forests. This exploratory study investigated the pattern of distribution of fallen timber (here termed 'logs') in a dry sclerophyll forest in the Brisbane Ranges, Victoria, by sampling transects located in
gully, mid-slope and ridge positions, at each of 10 sites. Gullies supported a significantly higher density and volume of logs than ridges. The lowest abundance of logs was on ridges. The mean volume of logs was 98.6 m3/ha for gullies, 38.5 m3/ha at mid-slope positions and 13.1 m3/ha for ridges. The
volume of logs at transects was significantly positively correlated with the density of larger trees (diameter >40 em). A number of animal species in the Brisbane Ranges potentially use logs as a resource for shelter, foraging or perching, and hence the retention ofwoody debris will aid in habitat
management. The uneven distribution of logs in relation to forest topography and the size strueture of trees suggests that gullies, and forest stands with many large trees, are likely to be important habitats for species that use fallen timber. (The Victorian Naturalist 120 (2), 2003, 55-60)
gully, mid-slope and ridge positions, at each of 10 sites. Gullies supported a significantly higher density and volume of logs than ridges. The lowest abundance of logs was on ridges. The mean volume of logs was 98.6 m3/ha for gullies, 38.5 m3/ha at mid-slope positions and 13.1 m3/ha for ridges. The
volume of logs at transects was significantly positively correlated with the density of larger trees (diameter >40 em). A number of animal species in the Brisbane Ranges potentially use logs as a resource for shelter, foraging or perching, and hence the retention ofwoody debris will aid in habitat
management. The uneven distribution of logs in relation to forest topography and the size strueture of trees suggests that gullies, and forest stands with many large trees, are likely to be important habitats for species that use fallen timber. (The Victorian Naturalist 120 (2), 2003, 55-60)
