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Wildlife Trees

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Species description, sounds, nesting habits & moreWildlife Trees

Why Focus on Wildlife Trees?

Within the Georgia Basin, only about one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the original mature Douglas-fir forest remains and only six one-hundreds of one percent (0.06%) of the original forest has been protected. [Cousens, 1998] “The number of people living around the Strait is expected to double over the next two decades. And with this increase in population comes pollution and habitat loss.” [Butler]”

As a veteran tree deteriorates, it can support up to 80 wildlife species including raptors, woodpeckers, and amphibians.  Loss of this habitat is a concern for many dependant wildlife species. One of the most effective wildlife management practices is to retain remaining wildlife habitat.

WiTS Wildlife Tree Monitors primarily monitor bald eagle nest trees. There are over 2,500 eagle nest trees in the database for Vancouver Island.  WiTS is also gradually identifying and monitoring nest trees of other species such as Red Tailed Hawk, Osprey, and Great Horned Owl.

Because of their position at the top of the avian food-chain, raptors are good barometers of environmental change and overall ecosystem health. They typically require large areas and healthy prey populations for survival.  As such, measures that conserve raptors can provide an umbrella of protection for many other plant and animal species [Demarchi & Bentley, 2004].

Read more about:

Raptors and other birds on Vancouver Island that require nesting trees

What can be done to protect wildlife trees?

Colour/size and estimated age of bald eagle chicks

Bald eagle breeding & nesting

Sample monitor report

2005 season summary report by area
 

images and information © 2006 Wildlife Tree Stewardship Program