Winter activity of mammals in riparian zones and adjacent forests prior to and following clear-cutting at Copper Lake, Newfoundland, Canada

A study of winter tracks was carried out to determine mammal usage of boreal habitats in response to clear-cutting on three headwater streams. species considered were the endangered Newfoundland marten (Martes americana atrata). short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea). red fox (Vulpes vulpes). red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). and the snowshoe hart: (Lepus americanus). Track abundances were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the forest interior than in riparian habitats. A shift in activity on the transects was noted following prescribed cutting. Tracks were more abundant along transects within riparian buffers than along those within clear-cut/open areas. A significant change in activity (displacement) of the pine marten was recorded. The results suggested that for environmentally sensitive species, i.e., American marten, small disturbances or alterations in habitat caused immediate and significant effects. <(c)> 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.