Influence of Beech Bark Disease on Small Mammals and Black Bear
Upstate New York
In previous summers, I headed out to the Adirondack Ecology center in Newcomb, NY (SUNY ESF) as well as to the Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville, NY in the Catskill Park. My goal was to survey the intensity of Beech bark disease in various stands in these two mountain parks. Within the stands I trapped small mammals, set up seed traps to quantify hard mast yield, and noted sign of black bear (e.g., claw marks, scat, cooling pits, canopy nests). In addition, I surveyed the infection level of surrounding trees to see if there was a correlation to beechnut abundance. I expect that this disease is having impact on these mammals that rely on the only significant masting tree in the park preserves.
The article on beech bark disease and small mammals appeared in 2012 of Northeastern Naturalist, volume 19(3)!
In previous summers, I headed out to the Adirondack Ecology center in Newcomb, NY (SUNY ESF) as well as to the Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville, NY in the Catskill Park. My goal was to survey the intensity of Beech bark disease in various stands in these two mountain parks. Within the stands I trapped small mammals, set up seed traps to quantify hard mast yield, and noted sign of black bear (e.g., claw marks, scat, cooling pits, canopy nests). In addition, I surveyed the infection level of surrounding trees to see if there was a correlation to beechnut abundance. I expect that this disease is having impact on these mammals that rely on the only significant masting tree in the park preserves.
The article on beech bark disease and small mammals appeared in 2012 of Northeastern Naturalist, volume 19(3)!