Avifauna, amphibian, and squirrel communities in varying streamside zone widths on a military base in Mississippi

Widths of streamside management zones (SMZ) should vary according to species using them, habitats within them, and surrounding landscape. Bird diversity, richness, and density; amphibian richness and densities; and squirrel densities were compared between SMZ width categories using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis. Species were sampled using strip transects and time-area counts. There was no difference in bird diversity among SMZ widths. Bird richness was greater in sites >50m in 2 of 3 seasons surveyed. Sites >30m supported greater densities of Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) and yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus). Sites >50m supported greater densities of wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina). Amphibian and anuran richness was greater in sites >30m. Amphibian species found/hour were greater in sites >30m. Anuran density did not differ among SMZ widths. Squirrel densities did not differ among SMZ widths. SMZ widths should be a minimum of 30m to provide adequate habitat for selected deep forest-dwelling birds and amphibians.