FIRE EFFECTS AND USE
WILDLIFE SPECIES: Bonasa umbellus | Ruffed Grouse 



DIRECT FIRE EFFECTS ON ANIMALS : 
Ruffed grouse nests and hatchlings may be consumed by early spring fires
[14].  Fires have caused complete reproductive failure in hens [9].


HABITAT RELATED FIRE EFFECTS : 
Fire can be beneficial in regenerating aspen; however, frequent fire
(2-3 year intervals) can destroy aspen's suckering ability [6].  Refer
to FEIS database on aspen for details on fire management [41].  

Studies have been conducted on ruffed grouse selection of burned versus
unburned areas.  In general, ruffed grouse distribution is similar in
both [4,29].  However, in aspen-dominated uplands of Alberta, a severe,
May wildfire caused an immediate 50 percent reduction in grouse numbers,
mainly due to egress [9].  This area also suffered a loss in drumming
males for 2 years following the fire, in which most of the woody shrubs
were consumed.  In New York, seven old-fields that were burned in spring
showed an increase in foraging ruffed grouse after the first 2 days
[11].  The increase was attributed to the vulnerability of insects, for
which ruffed grouse foraged.  Gullion [18] remarked that in Minnesota
the greatest abundance in ruffed grouse appeared 2 to 4, and 10 to 12
years after the peak fire season.  He also noted that the early stages
of plant growth following fire create good brood habitat, while the
later stages are better for adults.


FIRE USE : 
Prescribed burning can be used in a number of ways to improve ruffed
grouse habitat.  Most notably fire can remove forest debris, eliminating
hiding cover for predators and provide clear paths for ruffed grouse;
enhance the growth of important food species; release nutrients; and
control plant diseases and ruffed grouse parasites [14,18,33].  Irving
[26] recommended burning 10-acre (4-ha) units, in a staggered pattern,
to distribute food and cover.  In oak-hickory forests dominated by a
sedge (Carex spp.) understory, spring burning before April 15 should be
conducted every 2 years [33].  If managing for blueberries in these same
areas, burning should occur every 4 to 5 years.  When burning for
habitat management, one bird should be allowed for every 2 to 4 acres
(0.8-1.6 ha) [33].


REFERENCES : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Wildlife Species: Bonasa umbellus | Ruffed Grouse