Characterizing individual tree-level snags using airborne lidar-derived forest canopy gaps within closed-canopy conifer forests

Abstract

Airborne lidar is often used to calculate forest metrics about trees, but it may also provide a wealth of information about the space between trees. Forest canopy gaps are defined by the absence of vegetative structure and serve important roles for wildlife, such as facilitating animal movement. Forest canopy gaps also occur around snags, keystone structures that provide important substrates to wildlife species for breeding, roosting and foraging.

Citation

Stitt, Jessica M.; Hudak, Andrew T.; Silva, Carlos A.; Vierling, Lee A.; Vierling, Kerri T. 2022. Characterizing individual tree-level snags using airborne lidar-derived forest canopy gaps within closed-canopy conifer forests. Methods in Ecology Evolution. 13: 473-484.