Comparison of Bird Populations in Logged and Unlogged Rain Forest at Wiangarie State Forest, N.S.W.

SUMMARY

Bird populations were studied in experimental plots of silvicultural treatments in subtropical rainforest. The results of mist-netting in the lower strata of logged and intact forest in May, August, and November/December 1973 showed that the number of insectivorous birds was large in the areas where selective logging occurred several years ago; and that two control areas and one recently logged area had similar compositions and densities of bird fauna. The high density of birds in logged areas was associated with dense undergrowth and this was interpreted as part of their normal response to local tree falls and forest edge conditions. Selective logging, however, causes a much greater degree of disturbance to the forest than natural tree falls, and this has important implications in the management of rainforest for production and conservation.