SEASONAL MAST AVAILABILITY FOR WILDLIFE IN THE PIEDMONT REGION OF GEORGIA

We measured mast production by traditional and buffer species for 2 ye ars on the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. Our objective s were to determine how these two types varied on a seasonal, annual, and habitat basis. Mast from buffer species was more frequent and dive rse than that from traditional mast producers. Our findings suggest th at although traditional mast species are important, buffer species may play an equally important seasonal role in maintaining annual diversi ty.