@mastersthesis {42922,
	title = {The impact of small mammals on natural regeneration of white spruce after logging},
	volume = {Renewable Resources},
	year = {2000},
	pages = {90},
	address = {University of Alberta},
	abstract = {Through this study, I evaluated the impact of pre- and post-dispersal seed predation by small mammals on white spruce regeneration after logging in the mixedwood boreal forest of Alberta, Canada. I quantified the proportion of cones harvested by red squirrels from white spruce seed trees retained within cutblocks and trees in the adjacent forest, in a year of moderate cone production (average 1733 cones/tree in 1998). Post-dispersal seed predation, primarily by deer mice and red-backed voles, was quantified by comparing seedling recruitment in exclosures to unprotected plots, across a range of sown seed densities representing the natural range of variation in seed production. Compared to previous years, voles were abundant, while mouse populations were low in 1998. Red squirrels harvested 43\% (30-55\%) of cones on seed trees and 56\% (48-63\%) from trees in the forest. Seed trees retained in large patches had a significantly higher proportion of cones harvested (51\%) than those retained as singles (33\%). Mice and voles reduced recruitment density by 66-90\% across the seed densities tested. There was no difference in small mammal foraging at the forest edge versus within the cutblock. This study demonstrated the potential of seed predators to limit white spruce regeneration in years of moderate cone production. To minimize squirrel cone harvesting from seed trees, forest managers should avoid retaining trees as large patches within cutblocks.},
	url = {http://search.proquest.com/docview/304643909},
	author = {Peters, Susan Heidi}
}
