Ecological Importance of Giant Cane

Canebrake ecology and management has been largely ignored by many researchers in the U.S.  Yet this community type has significant ecological importance.  Some individuals have proven canebrakes to be crucial nesting habitats for birds (Meanley 1966; Remsen 1986; Hamel et al. 2001) and others have shown the importance of riparian cane in protecting stream water quality (Schoonover et al. 2002,  2004a, 2004b, Schoonover and Williard 2003). 

Biota Associated with Canebrakes

Platt et al. 2001 did an extensive literature review on the biota that utilizes canebrakes as part of their habitat or food source.  They reported 50 species that have been documented in canebrakes, including 23 mammals, 16 birds, 4 reptiles, and 7 invertebrates.  The documented species are summarized in the table Canebrake biota, which was adapted from Platt et al. 2001.

Swamp Rabbit

Swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus) inhabit poorly drained river bottoms and coastal marshes.  Along the coast, swamp rabbits are at home in cane thickets and thus have inherited the name “cane cutter” and/or “cane jake” (Lowery 1974; Davis and Schmidly 1997).  According to the Georgia Wildlife Web Site, swamp rabbits in Georgia thrive on eating cane shoots. 

Black Bears

Many of the southeastern states that have populations of black bears (Ursus americanus) see cane as a valuable habitat and forage.  The Black Bear Conservation Committee (1992) regarded canebrake habitat restoration as a high priority for the protection of Louisiana black bears. 

Bachman’s and Swainson’s Warbler

Both Swainson’s warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) and Bachman’s warbler (Vermivora bachmanii) habitat descriptions often include canebrakes as a critically important component (Meanley 1966; Hamel 2001).  Bachman’s warbler, now probably extinct, was likely a bamboo specialist in that it required dense canebrakes for nesting (Remsen 1986).  Virtually every detailed nesting account of this bird mentioned cane, and the vast decline of canebrakes was likely instrumental in the virtual disappearance of this bird (Remsen 1986).  The Swainson’s warbler is today a relatively uncommon migrant.  Swainson’s warbler is generally associated with dense thickets of cane and declines have been attributed to habitat loss on both wintering and breeding grounds (Somershoe et al. 2003).  Other birds that are associated with Swainson’s warbler and cane in general (although not as habitat specific as Swainson’s warbler) include Cardinal (Richmondena cardinalis), Hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina) and the White-eyed vireo (Vireo griseus) (Meanley 1966). 

Lepidoptera larvae

A large number of lepidoptera are suspected to exclusively feed on cane as larvae (Table: Canebrake biota).  As adults, many of these species are also restricted to living in the vicinity of canebrakes (as in Platt et al. 2001). 

Cattle

Although cattle are not dependent upon cane for habitat, cattle can utilize cane for forage and have done so for many years.  Cane is one of the most nutritious native forage plants in the eastern U.S. and the culms remain palatable during the winter months throughout most of its range (Hilmon et al. 1965).  According to Grelen and Hughes (1984), crude protein, phosphorus, and calcium contents are well above the requirements for maturing livestock.  The digestible nutrients in cane foliage are highest during May and June then decline rapidly during the remaining summer months (Smart et al. 1960). 

Overgrazing can pose a threat to cane stand survivability.  During the spring, when new culms are emerging, cattle should be removed from cane stands to assure that a sufficient number of stems can fully develop to maintain the stand.  Overgrazing will result in a reduction of stem density as well as reduce the size of cane stems and leaves (Hughes 1966).