Habitat Needs of Furbearers in Relation to Logging in Boreal Ontario

A literature review of boreal furbearers in Ontario indicates a substantial lack of a scientific basis on which to manage habitat or populations except for marten (Martes americana) and beaver (Castor canadensis). A review of known habitat requirements is presented for marten, lynx (Felis lynx), snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), ermine (Mustela erminea), mink (Mustela vision), beaver, otter (Lutra canadensis), and muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), including known impacts of timber harvesting. Use of fur harvest statistics as indicators of population and ultimately habitat is questionable because catch integrates many variables and habitat change occurs slowly. Considerable data suggest that management for relatively few prey species may be an alternative to attempting to manage habitat for individual furbearers. Data from Manitouwadge, Ontario show marten prefer old growth forests and occur at extremely low densities up to 40 years after logging. Fox and lynx were most abundant in 20-30-year-old successional stands. Ermine occurred in all ages of stands that were censused. Access by logging roads is a negative factor for populations of all furbearers as it enhances morality from trapping, particularly if pelt prices are high.