#05-276 December 19, 2005
Snags left standing will help wildlife
Standing dead trees may appear to be useless eyesores, but a state wildlife biologist says actually they are important components of wildlife habitat and frequently in short supply.
"That ugly snag may provide a secure home for many kinds of animals and a virtual smorgasbord of insect food," said Laurel Barnhill, wildlife biologist with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Section. "Downy, hairy, red-bellied, pileated and red-headed woodpeckers all feed heavily on wood-boring larvae of beetles and other insects and invertebrates found in snags."
Woodpeckers are also the primary excavators of nesting cavities in snags,
Barnhill said. These cavities are later used by other species. Bluebirds,
wrens, titmice, crested flycatchers, chickadees, nuthatches, barred owls,
screech owls and kestrels all depend on cavities for successful nesting.
Cavities in snag trees are also used by mammals such as bats, squirrels,
flying squirrels and raccoons. A single snag tree may contain many cavities
useful to several different species, as well as providing a food supply.
"The value of snags to both wildlife and people are countless," Barnhill
said. "Many snag-dependent species control insects and pests, and birds of
prey prefer the vantage point snags afford for hunting rodents. The
woodpecker's diet is filled with many insects that can be harmful to our
interests."
There are two kinds of snags, according to Barnhill. A "hard" snag may be
only partially dead, with many limbs remaining and sound wood. This kind of
snag will be beneficial for many years. A "soft" snag is more decayed, with
no limbs left and advanced heart rot. Wildlife species make use of both
kinds of snags, but larger snags have more value.
In woodlots, at least four to five snags per acre should be maintained,
according to Barnhill. Snags left in open areas over water will also provide
hunting perches for flycatchers, bluebirds, hawks and kingfishers. Osprey
may nest in large snags near open water.
"Snags may not appear very attractive, but their value to wildlife is
clear," said Barnhill. "Wildlife enthusiasts should take a second look at
dead or dying trees on their property and include snags in their wildlife
management or landscaping plans."
To view or print out a wildlife management guide on snags and downed logs,
visit the DNR Web site at
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/publications/pdf/snags.pdf or call the
Columbia DNR office at (803) 734-3886.
- Written by Greg Lucas -
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