Chapter 4. Monitoring vegetation composition and structure as habitat attributes

Abstract

Vegetation composition and structure are key components of wildlife habitat (Mc- Comb et al. 2010, Morrison et al. 2006) and are, therefore, essential components of all wildlife habitat monitoring. The objectives of this chapter are to describe common habitat attributes derived from vegetation composition and structure and to provide guidance for obtaining and using existing and new vegetation data to monitor wildlife habitat. We begin this chapter by addressing key concepts relevant to monitoring vegetation. Next, we describe each of the common habitat attributes associated with vegetation composition and structure and how they are measured or derived using field-sampled and remotely sensed data. We also describe sources of existing data, as well as methods for obtaining new data using established protocols. We conclude the chapter with a call for standardization and consistency in habitat monitoring efforts.

Parent Publication

• A technical guide for monitoring wildlife habitat

Citation

DeMeo, Thomas E.; Manning, Mary M.; Rowland, Mary M.; Vojta, Christina D.; McKelvey, Kevin S.; Brewer, C. Kenneth; Kennedy, Rebecca S.H.; saus, Paul A.; Schulz, Bethany; Westfall, James A.; Mersmann, Timothy J. 2013. Chapter 4. Monitoring vegetation composition and structure as habitat attributes. In: Rowland, M.M.; Vojta, C.D.; tech. eds. 2013. A technical guide for monitoring wildlife habitat. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-89. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: 64 p.