Oak Forest Ecosystems

With the demise of the American chestnut, oaks are more vital than ever in the delicate web of relationships that sustains North American wildlife. They form the foundation of many North American ecosystems. Acorns are an important part of the diets of more than 100 species of birds and mammals. Until now, most oak ecosystem research has focused on a variety of disparate factors and approaches. This book aims to provide a foundation for managing oak forests as whole, complex ecosystems. The volume focuses on the relationship between an oak forest's acorn yield and species of wildlife that depend on it. It begins by treating factors such as oak distribution, forest fires, tree diseases and pests, dynamics of acorn production, and acorn dispersal by birds and mammals. Special consideration is given to the phenomenon of masting - whereby oaks in a given area will produce huge crops of acorns at irregular intervals - a key component for wildlife researchers and managers in understanding patterns of scarcity and abundance in the creatures that feed on this crop.
Relationships between oaks and animals such as mice, squirrels, turkeys, deer, and bear are discussed, as are the differences between eastern, southern Appalachian, southwestern, and California oak forests. Because most oak forests exist on privately held lands and are not protected from commercial use, the contributors suggest ways to regenerate these forests and best manage them for current human use, wildlife habitation, and the future. The book should be of interest to wildlife biologists and managers, ecologists studying North American ecosystems, silviculturists, students of forestry, and anyone interested in maintaining oak forests and their wildlife.