ISSN:
1440-1703
Keywords:
clear-cutting
;
density change
;
habitat
;
Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus)
;
population dynamics
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Population responses of Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) to clear-cut logging and planted tree growth were studied by a direct count of the number observed in three areas, Takiyama (305 ha), Gentouziro (270 ha), and Tanokashira (324 ha), near Wakinosawa Village, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, during 1976–89. At Takiyama, a mature mixed forest ofThujopsis dolabrata var.hondai andFagus crenata decreased from 73 to 39% coverage of the area due to clear-cutting during 1978–83. The serow population maintained a relatively low stable density (3–6 individuals per km2) until 1985–87, and increased 5–10 years after the clear-cutting, reaching 9–10 km−2 in 1988. At Gentouziro and Tanokashira, young plantations of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) covered about half of each area. The population densities between 1980 and 1983 were relatively high (14–19 km−2), but declined thereafter, reaching 10–14 km−2 in 1988–89. These results indicated that the density increase resulted from an improvement of food supply due to growth of scrub following the clear-cutting, and that the density decline resulted from a habitat change due to growth of planted Japanese cedar and a decrease in the food supply. In Wakinosawa Village, serow density began to increase 5–10 years after forest cutting, and the high population density, about three- or six-fold larger than that in mature forest, is expected to be maintained for about 20 years after logging.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02348603
Permalink