Birds and Forest Management

SUMMARY The non-timber products of Australian forests are being increasingly demanded by the public. Foresters must show that they can consciously produce these products, one of which is birds, if they wish to continue as managers of all forested land. Bird habitat, bird behaviour and the relationship between birds and forests are discussed in this article. The effects of various forest management practices such as fuel reduction burning and conversion of eucalypt areas to softwood are considered. Not enough is known at present of the ecology of Australian birds to prescribe what should be done or what should not be done. Foresters are encouraged to become aware of the birds in their forests so that through this awareness they may increase their knowledge and thus qualify as more competent land managers.