Northeastern Ontario Forest Ecosystem Classification as a tool for managing marten habitat

Abstract

In northeastern Ontario, the Forest Ecosystem Classification (NE-FEC) system has been used in a Habitat Suitability Matrix (NE-HSM) for forest wildlife. This paper examines whether American martens (Martes americana) responded significantly to different NE-FEC Site Types, and compares this response with suitability values in the NE-HSM. Use of Site Types by martens deviated significantly from availability; Site Type 5 (black spruce) was preferred and Site Type 7 (hardwood) was avoided. In general, the NE-HSM was consistent with field results; but it was concluded that some adjustments should be made to the suitability values for martens in the Northeastern Ontario Forest Habitat Suitability Matrix. Key words: Forest ecosystem classification, habitat suitability matrix, marten, Martes americana