FIRE EFFECTS GUIDE - National Wildfire Coordinating Group

and endangered species lists. Species of specialized adaptability are
commonly termed specialists, of low versatility (Maser et al. 1984),
obligates (Kindschy 1986) of a particular habitat component, or
stenotopic (Knopf et al. 1988). Hammond's flycatcher (Empidonax
hammondii) has very narrow food and cover requirements (Maser et al.
1984). The sage grouse (Centrocercus europhasianus) and pinyon jay
are considered obligates of sagebrush and pinyon-juniper woodland
respectively (Kindschy 1986, Hardy 1945). Allen (1987) notes that many
furbearers of forested and wetland cover types have specific habitat
requirements and are less resilient in adapting to habitat modifications.
Specialists commonly can be eliminated by loss of a single habitat
component. Species of intermediate adaptability such as robins (Turdus
migratorius) and red-wing blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are referred
to as mesotopic (Knopf et al. 1988). Knopf et al. (1988) separated
riparian avifauna into eurytopic, mesotopic, and stenotopic guilds to
accommodate variations in habitat sensitivity.
d. Food and cover. The two most visually obvious determinants of
habitat suitability are food and cover.
(1) Dense timber travel lanes are frequently preferred by elk (Cervus
elaphus). Sagebrush can reach heights and densities that inhibit or
prevent pronghorn movement. Voles (Microtus montanus;
Clethrionomys gapperi) require certain litter layer or woody debris
habitat components. Birds require various structural conditions for nest
sites, hunting and song perches. Some species (e.g., the white-tail
deer) select for denser woody vegetation. Species such as bighorn
sheep or pronghorn normally select against it (Lyon et al. 1978, McGee
1982, Yoakum 1980).
(2) One species may consume primarily grass and forbs (e. g.,
grasshoppers or elk), another mostly forbs and shrubs (e.g., sage
grouse or pronghorn) and yet another, such as turkey (Meleagris
gallopavo), may make heavy use of mast. Hobbs (1989) provides a
strong case that the habitat mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) need for
thermal cover correlates well with the nutritional plane of the animal.
Hobbs and others have noted the inherent value of forage diversity and
availability. Hobbs and Spowart (1984) found substantially improved
winter diet quality for both deer and bighorn sheep as a result of burning
although there were only relatively small changes in the quality of
individual forages. They attributed the diet quality increase to improved
availability of forage items and enhanced forage selection opportunities.