Forests, Biodiversity, and Non-Game Species

Forests are also critical for maintaining biodiversity. Some of the species found in our local forests are well known wildlife game species pursued by landowners and visitors, while the vast majority of the species found in our forests (both flora and fauna) are virtually unknown. Regardless, each and every species has a role within its ecosystem and most forests encapsulate many different habitats for a range of wildlife species.

Direct and Indirect Effects of White-tailed Deer in Forest Ecosystems

In this paper published in the journal Forest Ecology and Management, authors from the University of Wisconsin show how browsing by white-tailed deer can shape forests.

Michigan Herp Atlas

Similarly to the high successful Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas, this work documents the distribution of amphibian and reptile species in Michigan.

Second Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas

This work, led by Kalamazoo Nature Center, documents the distribution of breeding bird species in Michigan and follows-up on the seminal work of Brewer et al. 1991. The Breeding Bird Atlas of Michigan. Michigan State University Press.

Living Planet Report 2018

This work by the World Wildlife Fund documents the challenges faced in maintaining global biodiversity.