CF Wildlife Habitat & Biodiversity Management Flashcards

Which term describes the minimum area of suitable habitat required for a wildlife population to persist over time?

Answer: Minimum viable habitat

Minimum viable habitat refers to the smallest patch of suitable habitat that can sustain a self-perpetuating population.

What silvicultural system best maintains structural diversity for cavity-nesting birds in managed forests?

Answer: Uneven-aged management

Uneven-aged management retains trees of multiple size classes, providing snags and large-diameter trees preferred by cavity nesters.

A forester wants to enhance edge habitat for white-tailed deer. Which action is most appropriate?

Answer: Create interspersed openings adjacent to mature forest

Creating interspersed openings adjacent to mature forest increases the forest-opening edge preferred by white-tailed deer for browsing and cover.

Which federal law requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service before authorizing actions that may affect listed species?

Answer: Endangered Species Act Section 7

ESA Section 7 mandates federal agency consultation to ensure actions do not jeopardize listed species or destroy critical habitat.

What is the primary purpose of a habitat connectivity corridor in a forest landscape?

Answer: Allow wildlife movement between fragmented habitat patches

Corridors link isolated habitat patches, enabling wildlife to disperse, find mates, and maintain genetic diversity across fragmented landscapes.

Which snag retention guideline is most commonly recommended to support woodpecker populations in eastern US forests?

Answer: 2–4 snags per acre with diameter ≥10 inches

Most eastern US guidelines recommend retaining 2–4 large-diameter snags (≥10 inches DBH) per acre to provide sufficient foraging and nesting habitat for woodpeckers.