Snag

Snag
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Dead trees are known as “snags,” and are an important part of the urban forest’s ecology. Woodpeckers excavate the soft wood to create nesting cavities for themselves. Once the woodpeckers leave, these cavities in snags provide habitat that a variety of other animals colonize, increasing the site’s biodiversity. Two woodpecker species have already been spotted in the YEW, and their presence may be related to the presence of snags. Snags can also benefit certain predatory bird species, as the relative absence of branches creates an open space that is ideal for their flight while they are hunting.