Vertebrate use of a restored riparian site: a case study on the central coast of California

Published source details Queheillalt D.M. & Morrison M.L. (2006) Vertebrate use of a restored riparian site: a case study on the central coast of California. Journal of Wildlife Management, 70, 859-866.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Restore or create forest Action Link
	Create or restore forests Action Link
	Other biodiversity: Restore habitat along watercourses Action Link

Restore or create forest

A replicated, site comparison study in 1999–2001 of riparian forest at a site in California, USA (Queheillalt & Morrison 2006) found that mammal species richness in restored riparian forest was similar to that in natural riparian forest. Mammal species richness in restored sites did not differ from that in natural sites during any season of sampling (data not reported). There was also no significant difference in species richness of small mammals (rodents and shrews) between restored (2–3 species) and natural (3–5 species) sites. Restoration, which included planting of woody riparian species, commenced between 1996 and 1998. Small mammals were surveyed between December 1999 and February 2001, using 16 Sherman live traps/ha. Other mammals were caught in larger live traps (cross section 7.6 × 8.9 cm) between November 1999 and April 2001.

(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)
Create or restore forests

A replicated, site comparison study in 1999–2000 of five riparian forest sites in California, USA (Queheillalt & Morrison 2006) found that reptile species richness in restored riparian forest was similar to that in natural riparian forest. Similar numbers of reptile species (4 species) were found in restored riparian forest compared to natural riparian forest (data reported as statistical model outputs). The authors reported that species abundant in the restored sites tended to be generalist species (e.g. coast garter snakes Thamnophis elegans terrestris) and that forest specialists (e.g. northern alligator lizards Elgaria coerulea) were present in the natural forest but not in the restored forest. Restoration, which included planting of woody riparian species, commenced between 1996 and 1998. In 1996–1998, a total of 15 ha of woody riparian species and 2.4 ha of freshwater wetland species were planted. Three restored sites (17,400 m², 28,000 m², 65,000 m²) were compared to two mature riparian forest sites (47,420 m² and 24,780 m²). Reptiles were sampled using pitfall traps during May–August 2000 and visual surveys (25 x 25 m area).

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
Other biodiversity: Restore habitat along watercourses

A replicated site comparison in 1996–2001 in five riparian sites in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA, found more plant species, fewer bird species, and similar numbers of amphibian, mammal, and reptile species, in restored forests, compared to mature forests. Amphibians, Mammals, and Reptiles: Similar numbers of amphibian (3), mammal (16), and reptile (4) species were found in restored plots and mature plots. Birds: Fewer bird species were found in restored plots, compared to mature plots, in summer (26–29 vs 48–52), but not in spring (53–56 vs 62–69), fall (17–23 vs 26–32), or winter (22–33 vs 40–41). Restored sites had fewer breeding bird species (4–7 vs 28–33). Plants: More plant species were found in restored forests, compared to mature forests (15–26 vs 8–11). Methods: In 1996–1998, 15 ha of woody riparian species and 2.4 ha of freshwater wetland species were planted. Three restored sites (17,400 m², 28,000 m², 65,000 m²) were compared to two mature riparian forest sites (47,420 m² and 24,780 m²). Vegetation was sampled using transects (30 m) in April, August, October, and January 1999–2000. Amphibians and reptiles were sampled using pitfall traps (May–August 2000) and visual surveys (25 x 25 m area). Bird species were identified in ten-minute point counts (25 m radius, twice/season, March 2000–February 2001) and on transects (1.5 km/hr for 1–2.5 hours). Mammals were captured in live traps (7.6 x 8.9 x 22.9 cm and 7.6 x 8.93 x 30.5 cm), marked, and released (November 1999–April 2001, except spring 2000).