Even immediately after harvesting, clearcuts provide habitat for birds, burrowing mammals and forage dependent species like elk, deer, moose and bear. And as a young forest develops, it supports a diverse and evolving wildlife community. Upon maturity, a second growth forest provides habitat for the vast majority of species who traditionally reside in old growth forests. Few, if any, animals native to B.C. depend exclusively on old growth to survive. Although 55 per cent of Red and Blue list species are adversely affected by agriculture and urban development, logging isn't without some responsibility for habitat loss.
Harper estimates one out of three Red and Blue list species is affected by forestry.
That compares with one out of four affected by livestock grazing and less than one out of five affected by hunting and other human activity.