Red-cockaded woodpecker habitat management and southern pine beetle infestations
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A study was carried out to examine the association of southern pine beetle (SPB) in red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) cavity trees and foraging areas. Evidence was found suggesting that initiation of infestations in cavity trees was similar to the process as it occurs in lightning-struck hosts. Growth of infestations in cluster sites was not likely because of the low basal area and wide spacing of trees. However, the proximity of infested cavity trees to high hazard stands could result in insect outbreaks in adjacent foraging habitat.