The importance of old growth refugia in the Yukon boreal forest to cavity-nesting owls

Abstract

The Yukon's boreal forest is a slow-growing yet dynamic system greatly affected by wildfire. Trees of a diameter and age to accommodate cavity-nesting owls and other larger birds should be rare. An experiment was conducted by erecting just over 100 nest boxes throughout the southern Yukon to test the availability of nest holes for small owls. After 5 years an insignificant 1 percent of boxes have been used by Boreal Owls (Aegolius funereus). Apparently adequate natural cavities exist. Unique old growth riparian forests are suggested, apparently protected from fire by wetlands. Management and protection of these valuable areas is becoming a priority as pressures are building for human harvest of trees, even in the northern extremes of the boreal forest.

Parent Publication

• Biology and conservation of owls of the Northern Hemisphere: 2nd International symposium

Citation

Mossop, D. H. 1997. The importance of old growth refugia in the Yukon boreal forest to cavity-nesting owls. In: Duncan, James R.; Johnson, David H.; Nicholls, Thomas H., eds. Biology and conservation of owls of the Northern Hemisphere: 2nd International symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-190. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 584-586.