IMPORTANCE OF POPULATION-DATA IN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

Recent shifts in emphasis to preservation of biological diversity and establishment of large nature reserves have resulted in downgrading of the perceived importance of data at the population level. These shift s in emphasis, while laudable, should not result in loss of focus on t he fundamental importance of population information. Suitable habitat, although a prime necessity, is not sufficient for wildlife preservati on. Species may not occupy otherwise suitable habitat because of inter nal (predation, interspecific competition, disease) or external (adver se climate, exploitation, disturbance, impact of exotic species, pollu tion and toxicants) factors. Historical impacts may persist for many y ears, and may require active restoration. Forest management plans must consider population data on a metapopulation scale. Data for common s pecies can be at the reconnaissance level whereas for threatened or se nsitive species they need to be more detailed. To evaluate sustainabil ity, population data must be integrated with forest stand data in proj ection models to predict habitat-population mosaics at various times i n the future. These models must be developed and improved over time in an adaptive management approach.