Seasonal Mast Availability for Wildlife in the Piedmont Region of Georgia

Abstract

We measured mast production by traditional and buffer species for 2 years on the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. Our objectives were to determine how these two types varied on a seasonal, annual, and habitat basis. Mast from buffer species was more frequent and diverse than that from traditional mast producers. Our findings suggest that although traditional mast species are important, buffer species may play an equally important seasonal role in maintaining annual diversity.

Keywords

Buffer species, oak, Southeast, traditional

Citation

Edwards, John W.; Guynn, David C., Jr.; Loeb, Susan C. 1993. Seasonal Mast Availability for Wildlife in the Piedmont Region of Georgia. Res. Pap. SE-287. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 20 p.