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The following are approximate percentages in
order to achieve a high biodiversity in a
hardwood (deciduous forest)
Increased biodiversity = increased stability
The highest diversity is obtained by creating
various succession stages which will also
create edge
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5 – 10% should have grassy opening. This
benefits groundhogs, bluebird, deer, etc.
Insects provide for many woodland birds
(turkey)
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At least 20 % of the forest should be young
trees and shrubs to produce forage ( food
plants in the shrub and floor layers) for
grazing and browsing animals like deer and
grouse. Also provides cover.
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At least 40% of the trees should be mature
and supply mast (seeds, nuts, acorns, berries)
for a wide variety of wildlife. ex. Oaks and
cherries – squirrels, deer, turkey, seed eating
birds
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5 - 10 % of the trees in a forest should be old
growth (over-mature) for snags – 80 species
of birds need snags to nest - woodpeckers.
Some animals require snags for den trees –
raccoons.
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Considerations:
Avoid excessive clear-cutting to prevent
fragmentation in forests containing species
that require large forest habitats. Use wildlife
corridors (see diagram)
Avoid creating monocultures (ecosystem with
a single species) – limits biodiversity