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Old Growth Supports Fewer Species


Extensive forests of uniform age or vegetative structure have dramatically fewer species than those with openings and aquatic habitats. For example: landscapes of unbroken mature forests have approximately 100 vertebrates; forest and early successional habitats, about 200; and forests with early successional and aquatic habitats, more than 300 vertebrates. (Reported in New Zealand area by USDA Forest Service personnel.)

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