The herbaceous stratum in the buffers was more developed than in adjacent forest. The latter was characterised by a high vegetation stratum, lower stem density and a high mean dbh. Field work was conducted during the spring and summer of 1998 and 1999 in the southern boreal forest on the north shore of the St-Lawrence River. Small mammals were sampled using snap traps and pitfall traps, while infrared activated cameras were used to sample larger mammals. Amphibian and bird calls were sampled using automated tape recording sessions in June.
Preliminary results show a similar abundance of small mammals in buffers and adjacent forest.
A few Pigmy Shrews and Rock Voles, two uncommon species in this region, were captured in both habitats. The presence of Black Bear, Snowshoe Hare, Ruffed Grouse and Porcupine was detected inside vegetation buffers. Abundance of amphibian and bird calls were similar in buffers and adjacent forest.