Mitigating effects of broadleaved forest fragmentation on birds: Proposal of plantation matrix management

Abstract

I reviewed the effects on forest birds of replacing broadleaved forests at the patch and landscape levels, with emphasis on replacement by plantations. I proposed methods mitigating such effects. Reduction in patch area of broadleaved forests, loss and fragmentation of broadleaved forests caused by plantations reduce bird species richness and densities. The effects of loss and fragmentation of broadleaved forests operate strongly in landscapes where most broadleaved forests have been lost. Plantations have been treated as homogenous non-habitats (matrix), and ignored in biodiversity conservation. However, because structurally and compositionally complex plantations function as habitats for many forest birds, such negative effects would be mitigated by increasing the complexity of the structure and composition of surrounding plantations through extended rotation, strong thinning, and planting trees further apart, retention of green trees, deciduous trees, and coarse woody debris in clearcuts. Future challenges facing the development of forest management to conserve biodiversity are discussed.