Determining the Relationship Between Whitebark Pine Stand-Level Health and Seed Dispersal by Clark's Nutcracker
Barringer LE. 2010. Determining the Relationship Between Whitebark Pine Stand-Level Health and Seed Dispersal by Clark's Nutcracker. National Park Service
Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) in the northern Rocky Mountains is declining from infection by the exotic pathogen Cronartium ribicola, which causes white pine blister rust, and from outbreaks of mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae). Previous studies demonstrated that as whitebark pine stands are progressively damaged or killed by blister rust and beetles, Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana), the main seed dispersers for whitebark pine, make fewer stand visits when cones are produced and seeds are ripe. The goal here was to test these observations further by examining relationships between whitebark pine forest health and nutcracker visitation with a different study design.
- Type
- Academic
- Authors
- Barringer, Lauren
- Date of Issue
- 2010
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- GLAC
- Keywords
- Blister Rust, Clark's nutcracker, cronartium ribicola, Dendroctonus ponderosae, Forest Health, Mountain pine beetle, Nucifraga columbiana, pine beetle, Pinus albicaulis, Seed Dispersal, thesis, White Pine Blister Rust, Whitebark Pine