Is forest close to lakes ecologically unique? Analysis of vegetation, small mammals, amphibians, and songbirds

The vegetation structure, flora, and fauna in forest stands at varying distances from small lakes in the boreal mixedwood zone of Alta., Canada, with that in the surrounding upland landscape were compared. Greater canopy cover, and aspen height and diameter than upland forest characterized lakeside forest, but absolute differences were quite small and there was no evidence of greater structural diversity. Two species of anuran amphibians and boreal toad were more abundant in forest up to 100 m from lakes than in upland areas 400-1200 m away from open water. Songbird abundance and richness were higher near lakes, possibly because of the additional niches available at the forest/lakes interface and increased food supply for insectivorous birds.