Download (PDF 149 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/38202.pdf
Abstract
The population status of and habitat use by Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) has rarely been studied and remains poorly understood, in part due to the previous lack of a reliable method of surveying nutcracker populations. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Clark's nutcrackers have recently declined precipitously throughout large parts of their range. A likely factor causing these declines is their mutualism with whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), which has suffered massive die-offs due to the recent mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) epidemic and white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) infections. Because nutcrackers enable whitebark pine regeneration through their caching behavior, ongoing whitebark pine restoration efforts will not be sustainable if nutcracker populations decline or their habitat use changes to a degree that they are not available to carry out seed dispersal.
Parent Publication
Keywords
high elevation five-needle pines,
threats,
whitebark,
Pinus albicaulis,
limber,
Pinus flexilis,
southwestern white,
Pinus strobiformis,
foxtail,
Pinus balfouriana,
Great Basin bristlecone,
Pinus longaeva,
Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine,
Pinus aristata
Citation
Schaming, Taza. 2011. Clark's nutcracker demography and habitat use in Bridger-Teton National Forest-preliminary analyses. In: Keane, Robert E.; Tomback, Diana F.; Murray, Michael P.; Smith, Cyndi M., eds. The future of high-elevation, five-needle white pines in Western North America: Proceedings of the High Five Symposium. 28-30 June 2010; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-63. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 75.
