Small-scale habitat use of Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus broods in the Black Forest, Germany

Abstract

ABSTRACT Capsule Open forest stands with high levels of sunlight and Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus cover are important for Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus broods. Aims To study the habitat use by Capercaillie broods in the Black Forest, Germany. Methods Habitat characteristics were mapped at locations where indirect signs and observations of Capercaillie broods were recorded along transects. These were compared to habitat characteristics at random locations along the transects using generalized linear mixed models. Results Capercaillie broods in the Black Forest preferred open forest stands with canopy gaps, long daily sun exposure on the ground and an intermediate cover of Bilberry. Stands with high levels of ground vegetation cover and Mountain Pine Pinus mugo shrubs were preferred by Capercaillie broods, while stands with high levels of regeneration cover were avoided. No effect of the horizontal stand layers, number of basal-branched solitary trees or anthills was found. Conclusions To improve habitats for Capercaillie broods, we advise that there should be active creation of structured open stands and forest gaps in areas with high levels of sun exposure (south-west facing) and where Bilberry or heather dominates the ground vegetation.