Spatial and temporal considerations in restoring habitat for wildlife

An accumulated body of theory and empirical evidence suggests that habitat selection by animals is a scale-dependent, hierarchical process. Hierarchy theory predicts that habitat suitability is influenced by the interaction o f factors at multiple spatial scales from the microsite to the landscape an d that higher-order factors impose constraints at lower levels. For instanc e, large-scale factors such as landscape context may make a site unsuitable for a species even if the vegetation structure and composition are appropr iate. In addition, the spatial arrangement of habitat elements at all scale s must be considered when planning restoration efforts. For example, the pr esence of snags does not ensure that the site will be suitable for snag-dep endent species. The size, age, and spacing of snags and their juxtaposition to other habitat elements must also be considered. Finally, all habitats a re dynamic, and therefore the ecological processes that contribute to those dynamics must be maintained or suitable substitutes included in the recove ry plan. When considering restoring habitat for wildlife, we recommend that managers: (1) identify the wildlife species they want to target for restor ation efforts, (2) consider the size and landscape context of the restorati on site and whether it is appropriate for the target species, (3) identify the habitat elements that are necessary for the target species, (4) develop a strategy for restoring those elements and the ecological processes that maintain them, and (5) implement a long-term monitoring program to gauge th e success of the restoration efforts.