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Wildlife Trees

Have you ever seen a sign on a tree like the one below? Did you know that in British Columbia more than 90 species of wildlife or approximately 16% of the provinces's birds, mammals, and amphibians depend on wildlife trees?

Old, dead, and decaying trees are used by wildlife for nesting, food, shelter, denning, roosting and perching. As such, wildlife trees are a vital compenent of natural forests. Many of these trees may be unsound with loose overhead branches and bark. Assess these factors carefully prior to any hammering or vibration which could bring loose material down.

Because of their dry wood, some of the best wildlife trees are also very desirable as fuel to firewood cutters. Wildlife trees found along forest edges and near roads are especially vulnerable. Posting a sign (such as the one you see here) and letting others know of its habitat value is one way to protect trees for wildlife .

Picture of wildlife tree sign

What Makes a Good Wildlife Tree?

  1. Select standing large diameter trees which have the majority of their original height, some lateral limbs and branches
  2. Select trees which show evidence of animal use, including nests and nest holes, feeding notches, squirrel middens (piles of discarded trees cones), and fresh wood chips at the tree base.
  3. If the tree is still alive (contains some green foliage), choose a tree which is as large as possible and shows some visible external; defect such as forked or broken top, cracked trunk, or fungal conk.
  4. If possible select trees located in areas along streams, gullies or ravines, or near marshes, lakes and forest meadow edges.
  5. Select trees which fit the above criteria and which you feel are at risk of being cut down. These tress would therefore benefit by having a wildlife tree sign attached.
  6. If a tree is located in an area which is likely to recieve use by people (i.e., along a roadway), choose trees which present a minimal safety risk to persons who may be in the area. Trees should be leaning away from, or be on the downhill side of, roadways or other areas of potential human activity

Notice the swallow peeking out of the lower hole.

Photo of swallow in snag

(Photo from Ministry archive.)

For more information about wildlife trees and dangerous trees, contact the District Office.

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Page last modified: Wednesday, July 04, 2001

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