Red-Cockaded Woodpecker in Oklahoma: An Update of Wood's 1974 - 77 Study

Abstract

) in Oklahoma was evaluated from 1985 to 1987. Colonysites found by Wood (16) were visited and 51.4% were inactive. Annual mortality of cavity trees ranged from 5.2 to 6.8%.Red-cockaded woodpecker populations in Oklahoma appear to have declined because of land-use change. Population declineon the McCurtain County Wilderness Area is attributed to plant succession beyond previous fire disclimax. Reintroduction offire in the Wilderness Area will be necessary to restore the species habitat to its former status. The first known occurrence ofrange expansion, in Oklahoma, following re-establishment of suitable habitat is also reported here.