Influence of Scale on the Management of Wildlife

Abstract: Distributions, abundances, and patterns of resource use of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals varied spatially and temporally in California oak woodlands. Spatial variations occurred within stands, between stands of a similar type (e.g., canyon live oak [Quercus chrysolepis], blue oak [Q. douglasii], or valley oak [Q. lobata]), between stand types, and between geographic areas. Temporal variations occurred be-tween seasons and years. Management of wildlife in oak woodlands should be based on research that details seasonal and temporal variations in habitat and resource use. Species that exhibit pronounced geographic variations in habitat use will require different management strategies, depending on location. Providing favorable conditions for breeding will not ensure that requirements for species occurring during nonbreeding periods will be met as well